MINNESOTA
Northlands News Center
Duluth, MN (NNCNWO.com) — A member of the Survivor Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is asking questions regarding sexual abuse allegations that have surfaced against Duluth Priest, Father Timothy Backous.
Father Backous has been accused of sexual misconduct 20 years ago, while on a choir trip with Saint John’s Abbey in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
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Backous has since worked in Duluth at Essentia Health Saint Mary’s Hospital as the Vice President of Mission Integration and Benedictine Sponsorship for the hospital.
A statement from the hospital says, “Essentia Health has placed Father Backous on administrative leave pending the outcome of its internal investigation into the matter.”
Verne Wagner, the Northern Minnesota Director of SNAP is asking questions.
“When did the Duluth Diocese receive notice about Father Backous’ alleged abuse and how long did they pull him from service? Did the Duluth diocese ever review his personnel file and ask Father Backous, or past Diocese he has worked in, any questions regarding sexual abuse?” said Wagner at a news conference outside of the Duluth Diocese on Monday.
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