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St. Paul archdiocese to name abusive priests

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis plans this month to release the names of priests who have sexually abused children, the archbishop said in an open letter Monday.

In the letter posted on the archdiocese website, Archbishop John Nienstedt said that during the month of November he will disclose the names, locations and status of abusive priests who are currently living in the archdiocese and who have substantiated claims of abuse against them.

Nienstedt said all of these men have been removed from ministry.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the new disclosures will go beyond names that are already public through lawsuits or media reports.

Nienstedt and other church leaders have long argued against disclosing the names of priests accused of abuse, saying it wouldn’t be fair to those clergy members who have been falsely accused.

The about-face comes amid a Minnesota Public Radio News report of another priest whom the archdiocese says admitted that he engaged in sexual contact with several young boys decades ago.

“Serious mistakes have been made in the archdiocese’s handling of abuse cases,” Nienstedt wrote. “Offering expressions of regret and sorrow seems so inadequate in the context of the crimes of the offenders and our failures to deal with them properly.

“And yet, I must say how sorry I am. My heart is heavy for the victims of this repugnant abuse,” he wrote.

Nienstedt said his ability to release all names depends upon a review of priest files, which he ordered in October. He said that next week he will announce the firm hired to conduct the review.

Attorneys for victims of sexual abuse by clergy have repeatedly asked the church to release a list that contains the names of 33 priests who have been credibly accused — including some who are deceased.


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