Archbishop Denies Allegation of Inappropriate Touching

KARE
December 17, 2013

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2013/12/17/archbishop-denies-allegation-of-inappropriate-touching/4056229/

[Statement from the archdiocese]

[Letter from Archbishop John Nienstedt]


A written statement released to the media says the Archdiocese became aware of the allegations last week, and instructed a mandated reporter within the church to contact police and report the matter so an investigation could begin.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Archbishop John Nienstedt is strongly denying allegations that he inappropriately touched a juvenile male on the buttocks during a group photo session in 2009.

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced the allegations against Nienstedt Tuesday, and said the Archbishop is cooperating fully with St. Paul Police in the investigation. A written statement released to the media says the Archdiocese became aware of the allegations last week, and instructed a mandated reporter within the church to contact police and report the matter so an investigation could begin.

Nienstedt will step away from all public ministry until the investigation is complete. He released a letter Tuesday denying the allegations.

"I do not know the individual involved; he has not been made known to me. I presume he is sincere in believing what he claims, but I must say that this allegation is absolutely and entirely false," Nienstedt insisted. "I have never once engaged in any inappropriate contact with a minor and I have tried to the very best of my ability to serve this Archdiocese and the church faithfully, with honor and due regard for the rights of all, even those with whom I disagree."

In a separate statement, the Archdiocese insisted that full cooperation with the police and transparency in discussing the allegations reflect the priorities of the church.

The archdiocese is mindful of the due process concerns of those involved. There must be justice and due consideration of the rights and dignity of every human person, both the individual involved and the archbishop. This is not only the bedrock of our beliefs as Catholics, but also of the justice system of our country.

The steps taken in response to the allegation against the archbishop demonstrate and reaffirm the archdiocese's commitment to disclosure. These steps further confirm that all within the archdiocese will be subject to the internal policies we have established. This is the position of the archdiocese and the archbishop himself. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the individual involved and the archbishop as justice is pursued and all may move forward on a path toward healing.