MINNESOTA
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Friday, Oct. 18, 2013
Statement by Bob Schwiderski of St. Wayzata, Minnesota Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 952 471 3422, skibrs@q.com )
Weeks ago we learned that several top Twin Cities Catholic officials concealed for years the “borderline illegal” pornography on Fr. Jon Shelley.
Today, we learn that they also concealed for years “inappropriate (email) correspondence with a minor” sent by Fr. Shelley.
In both cases, concerned Catholic lay people warned high-ranking archdiocesan staff. In both cases, police were not called and little, if any, effective steps were taken to protect others.
Nearly every day we learn more about known and suspected clergy sex crimes, misdeeds and cover ups in the Twin Cities archdiocese. And without exception, what we learn portrays Archbishop John Nienstedt or his staff in a worse light.
The Bible says “The truth will set you free.” It doesn’t say anything about 25% of the truth or 50% of the truth. Only the full truth about heinous crimes and inexcusable cover ups will enable Nienstedt – and his increasingly distraught flock and staff – “turn the corner” on this dreadful scandal.
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