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Former Archbishop involved in church sex scandal takes temporary post in Battle Creek
By John Mcneill
WIN
January 13, 2016
http://wincountry.com/news/articles/2016/jan/14/former-archbishop-involved-in-church-sex-scandal-takes-temporary-post-in-battle-creek/
KALAMAZOO/BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) -- A controversial former Archbishop who resigned from his position in St. Paul-Minneapolis after allegations involving sexual abuse by priests has been reassigned to work with the pastor of St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
Archbishop John Nienstedt resigned last June after the local prosecutors filed criminal and civil charges that the church had failed to protect children from clergy sex abuse.
The national director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, David Clohessy tells WKZO news that there are allegations that Nienstadt himself has sexually exploited seminarians. He was cleared of allegations of abusing a young boy, but his diocese was charged with hiding a predator priest.
Clohessy asks if any other employer would retain an employee with such a work history, and reassign him to a post where he is sure to come into contact with children? He calls it an outrage.
Clohessy says it’s part of a pattern, alleging the church still rigorously protects anyone who wears a collar despite promises of reform.
The Diocese, which is based in Kalamazoo, defends their decision saying that Father Nienstedt hasn’t been convicted of anything and remains in good standing with the Catholic Church.
They say he plans to spend six months with the Parish in Battle Creek helping out and then will move on.
Rev. John Fleckenstein with the Kalamazoo Diocese says “He [Neinstedt] will celebrate some of the weekend and weekday Masses, visit the sick in the hospital, visit the sick and homebound, and celebrate Mass for the nursing home and assisted living facilities”. He also says Neinstedge may also fill in for Priests who cannot make scheduled Masses and services.
The faith of some may be tested in the weeks to come
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