MINNESOTA
Star Tribune
JUNE 15, 2015
Recent events that led to Archbishop John Nienstedt’s resignation Monday:
• June 5: Ramsey County attorney’s office files criminal charges against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis for “failing to protect children.” The charges stem from the archdiocese’s oversight failures regarding former priest Curtis Wehmeyer, who is now serving a prison term. It’s the first time a U.S. archdiocese has been criminally charged for such offenses.
• June 10: Pope Francis takes biggest step yet to crack down on bishops who cover up for priests who rape and molest children. He created a new tribunal section inside the Vatican to hear cases of bishops accused of failing to protect their flock.
• June 13: In an open letter to Nienstedt published in the Star Tribune, Hank Shea calls for the archbishop to resign, saying the archdiocese more than ever needs new leadership to put its legal troubles behind it and, more important, to allow genuine healing to begin, including for the victims of clergy abuse.” Shea is a former assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Minnesota and serves as a senior distinguished fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Law.
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