MINNESOTA
Post-Bulletin
When John Nienstedt was appointed archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, it was noted that his outspoken management style would be a contrast to his predecessor, Harry Flynn, a decidedly low-key personality.
“Much ink has been spilled in the press over speculation about how (I) will differ from the present archbishop,” Nienstedt said during his welcome Mass nearly eight years ago at the Cathedral of St. Paul. “But frankly, I believe that speculation is misplaced.”
It turns out it wasn’t. Nienstedt called for unity when he celebrated his first Mass in St. Paul, but instead, he presided over the most turbulent period in the diocese’s history. He resigned Monday, 10 days after criminal charges were filed against the archdiocese by the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office for its “role in failing to protect children and contribution to the unspeakable harm” in priest sex-abuse cases.
“My leadership has unfortunately drawn attention away from the good works of his church and those who perform them. Thus, my decision to step down,” Nienstedt said in a statement posted by the archdiocese.
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