MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis announced Tuesday an allegation of inappropriate touching has been brought against Archbishop John Nienstedt.
According to the Archdiocese, Nienstedt is accused of inappropriately touching a young boy on the buttocks during a group photo session after a confirmation ceremony in 2009.
Nienstedt has denied the allegation but will voluntarily step aside from public ministry, effective immediately, while an investigation into the incident takes place.
Once the Archdiocese learned of the allegation, they contacted police. They said in a statement on their website that they are ready to fully cooperate with the St. Paul Police’s investigation.
In a letter to the ministry, Nienstedt said he does not know the individual involved in the allegation but presumes “he is sincere in believing what he claims.”
That said, he said the allegation is “absolutely and entirely false.”
“I have never once engaged in any inappropriate contact with a minor and I have tried to the very best of my ability to serve this Archdiocese and the church faithfully, with honor and due regard for the rights of all, even those with whom I disagree,” he states.
Nienstedt also states he has met victims of sexual abuse and knows the lasting damage that can cause.
He also states he hopes the investigation can be thorough but quick.
“I already long to be back in public ministry,” he writes.
He finishes the letter asking for prayers for the individual who made the allegation and prayers for himself.
The Archdiocese said in a statement their first priority is to create a safe environment for its parishioners.
“The first priority of the archdiocese is to create and maintain safe environments where the Gospel of Jesus Christ can flourish. This starts with creating an environment for and implementing productive steps to promote a healthy clergy. It also means ensuring that clergy, employees, volunteers, and the young are aware of healthy boundaries and the societal problem of sexual abuse,” they state.
Auxiliary Bishop Lee Piché will cover all the Archbishop’s public duties during this time.