Vicar general resigns in St. Paul archdiocese over handling of abuse revelations

October 04, 2013

The vicar general of the Archdiocese of St. Paul, Minnesota, has resigned his post, following charges that he was aware of a priest’s involvement in child pornography but allowed the priest to remain in active ministry.

The outgoing vicar general, Father Peter Laird, was accused of hiding a memo that discussed the possession of child pornography by Father Curtis Wehmeyer—who later was sentenced to a 5-year prison term after he admitted to sexual abuse of teenage boys.

Father Laird said that he hoped “my decision to step aside at this time, along with the formation of a new task force, can help repair the trust of many, especially the victims of abuse."

 

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Further information:

• Vicar general of St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese resigns (Star Tribune)
• Laird, top deputy of archdiocese, resigns (Minnesota Public Radio)