MINNESOTA
KARE
[with video]
Allen Costantini, KARE
MINNEAPOLIS – Reaction to Archbishop John Nienstedt’s suspension of his public ministry was mixed on Tuesday.
Nienstedt announced in a letter that he was “stepping aside” while an investigation is underway of an alleged sexual abuse involving the church leader.
According to information from the Archdiocese, a young man alleged that Nienstedt touched his buttocks during a public photo opportunity following a confirmation ceremony in 2009. A person required to report such allegations told the Archdiocese, then the police.
St. Paul Police are investigating the allegation.
Nienstedt denied the claim in his letter, writing “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.”
Speaking after the noon Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, parishioners opinions varied on the cleric’s action.
“I think it is very sad,” said Robin Ayers, of Stillwater. “I am going into daily prayer and I will pray for Archbishop Nienstedt and hope that truth and transparency does come out.”
“I think that everyone is held accountable,” said Paul Lyverm of Plymouth. “I am a firm believer in my faith and the Catholic religion, but everyone is held accountable.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.