MN- Victims urge MN lawmakers to fix adult abuse law

By Barbara Dorris
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
April 8, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mn_victims_urge_mn_lawmakers_to_fix_adult_abuse_law

In the wake of yesterday's decision in the Fr. Christopher Wenthe case, we call on Minnesota lawmakers to clarify the state law criminalizing the sexual exploitation of adult congregants by clergy.

http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_25513138/st-paul-priests-sex-crime-conviction-reversed

Something is dreadfully wrong when a powerful, persuasive cleric who allegedly is Christ's representative on earth gets “off the hook” because (according to the Pioneer Press) “jurors must agree on which particular meeting between priest and victim was the one in which she sought or received spiritual advice or aid” and because “the state must prove (a cleric) knew the woman sought or received spiritual advice during the sexually infused meeting.” 

These laws – making it illegal for religious figures to have sexual contact with congregants who seek their help – are relatively new. So it's not surprising that there may be loopholes. But those loopholes should be fixed quickly. Clerics are often among the most charismatic, clever and well-educated sexual predators. We must do all we can to prevent them from abusing their power, prestige and positions. And tightening up these laws would be a good start. 

We are grateful that Fr. Wenthe failed in his bid to completely overturn this crucial law that helps prevent adults from being sexually abused and exploited. But we hope this setback will give lawmakers the clarity and incentive to improve this crucial law.