Bishop John M. Smith of Winona on Laicization, Attorneys, the Media, and Bankruptcy

Diocese of Winona
October 7, 2014

http://www.bishop-accountability.org/docs/st_paul_and_minneapolis/MPR/smith/2014_03_21_Quinn_Episcopi_Votum_regarding_Smith.pdf

[full text]

However, the Diocese of Winona has received several claims of negligence upon other offenders since the statute's inception, anticipates several more, and anticipates eventually bankuptcy as a result of these lawsuits.

Both attorneys and elements within the public media have exhibited unwavering resolve in their efforts to further defame alleged offenders, foster discredit in church officials, and instill common anger [and] mistrust toward the Universal Church. The charge of negligence is especially difficult to overcome in this climate if the accused priest retains his status as a cleric of the Diocese, since attorneys are accustomed to exploring this aspect in order to build their argument against the Diocese. And so my support of this voluntary petition [for Rev Leland J. Smith’s laicization] is based, in part, on a need for the aid of the Congregation in the face of the broad provision of the Minnesota State Legislature, so that the goods and reputation of the Church may be protected.