The Battle of Battle Creek

By Jennifer Haselberger
Canonical Consultation
January 16, 2016

http://canonicalconsultation.com/blog.html

In response to the intense media interest in Archbishop Nienstedt's temporary gig at St Philip Parish in Battle Creek, Michigan, the Diocese of Kalamazoo sent the following letter to parents of children attending the school where Nienstedt is currently residing (https://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/295728468?access_key=key-dXm2TYYtIvg9SzzG2Lhe&allow_share=true&escape=false&view_mode=scroll).

If the Diocese hoped this would calm the furor or assuage concerns, it would appear it was mistaken. I found this response, published in the Battle Creek Enquirer, particularly on point.

Finally, I am intrigued by the 'additional assurances' received by the Diocese regarding Archbishop Nienstedt's fitness for ministry. Of most interest in this regard would be, of course, the report or reports of Greene and Espel. However, the Archdiocese has strenuously upheld (in court and elsewhere) that any work product of that investigation is privileged communication. If those reports were shared with the Diocese of Kalamazoo, that privilege may effectively have been waived.