The archbishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis stepped down today along with one of his auxiliary bishops, amid accusations that the archdiocese did not correctly handle accusations of sexual abuse.
Archbishop John Nienstedt and Bishop Lee Piché submitted their resignations, which were accepted by the Holy Father in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law.
The archdiocese as a corporation was charged this month with six counts of misdemeanors for failing to respond to repeated reports about a priest who was later convicted of molesting two minors.
The archbishop released a statement saying he is resigning «with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.»
Here are the statements from the archbishop and bishop:
From Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
In order to give the Archdiocese a new beginning amidst the many challenges we face, I have submitted my resignation as Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and I have just received word that he has accepted it. The Catholic Church is not our Church, but Christ’s Church, and we are merely stewards for a time. 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.
It has been my privilege the last seven years to serve this local Church. I have come to appreciate deeply the vitality of the 187 parishes that make up the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I am grateful for the support I have received from priests, deacons, religious men and women and lay leaders, especially those who have collaborated with me in the oversight of this local Church.
I leave with a clear conscience knowing that my team and I have put in place solid protocols to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable adults.
I ask for continued prayers for the well-being of this Archdiocese and its future leaders. I also ask for your continued prayers for me.
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From Bishop Lee A. Piché, Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
The people of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis need healing and hope. I was getting in the way of that, and so I had to resign.
I submitted my resignation willingly, after consultation with others in and outside the Archdiocese.
It has been a privilege to serve this local Church and I will continue to hold everyone in the Archdiocese in my prayers.
