MINNESOTA
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Date: Friday, December 18, 2015
Source: Tom Halden, Director of Communications
Q: What does this Settlement Agreement really mean?
A: It means that the Archdiocese has voluntarily agreed to implement the enhanced safe environment Settlement Agreement and submit to external auditing in 2017 and 2018. At the end of the 36 month review period, Ramsey County District Court has agreed they will drop the civil charges.
Q: Was the Archdiocese forced into this Agreement?
A: No. We made the decision not to fight the charges in court because we share the common goal of protecting children with the Ramsey County Attorney and his staff.
Q: How will the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office be able to verify that the Archdiocese is following the new Settlement Agreement?
A: There will be both internal and external audits of the Agreement and reporting mechanisms that must be followed.
Q: Aren’t there Constitutional concerns with the state (Ramsey County) involved in overseeing a religious institution?
A: The Archdiocese is still free to run its ministries, operations and other programs as it sees fit. We chose to enter into this agreement because the Settlement Agreement serves to enhance our mission of faith. It is at the heart of the church to protect children and vulnerable adults. Jesus said, ““Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me (Matthew 9:37).”
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