MINNESOTA
National Survivor Advocates Coalition
Kristine Ward
One way to sometimes stop people from doing wrong is to punish them for doing wrong. History, psychology and common sense all suggest this approach often works.
But tragically, Catholic officials virtually never use this approach when shocking revelations of clergy sex abuse and cover-up surface.
It’s an approach that St. Paul-Minneapolis Catholic officials might consider as they try to save themselves and their archdiocese from a rapidly expanding scandal that has put dozens of accused clerics in the news over the last few months and several other church staff who reportedly kept quiet about or hid their alleged sexual misbehavior.
When we say “Catholic officials,” we are largely referring to Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piché, who is now in charge of the Twin Cities archdiocese. Archbishop John Nienstedt has stepped aside while an allegation of child sexual abuse against him is investigated.
When it comes to wrongdoers who merit punishment, the St. Paul-Minneapolis church hierarchy has lots of choices.
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