Minnesota archdiocese reaches agreement with prosecutors to resolve civil charges

December 18, 2015

The Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Minnesota, has reached an agreement with prosecutors to civil charges brought against the archdiocese for failure to report clerical abuse.

The agreement between the archdiocese and Ramsey County obliges Church leaders to work with prosecutors to ensure oversight of archdiocesan officials. Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who was appointed administrator of the Minnesota archdiocese after the resignation of Archbishop John Nienstedt, said that the agreement was “an opportunity for us to do all we can to make sure children are as safe as possible now and into the future.” Archbishop Hebda said that most of the provisions of the settlement involve “things we are already doing, while others are practices and procedures that are already working in some dioceses around the country.”

The archdiocese still faces criminal charges for ignoring complaints of abuse. Prosecutors and archdiocesan officials both told reporters that they hope to resolve those charges soon, suggesting that a plea-bargaining agreement could be close at hand.

 

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Further information:

• Twin Cities archdiocese settles civil charges alleging it failed kids, criminal case remains (Star-Tribune)
• Letter from Archbishop Hebda Regarding Settlement Agreement with Ramsey County (Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis)
• First hearing for Minnesota archdiocese facing criminal charges for failing to curb abuse (CWN, 10/29)