BATTLE CREEK (WKZO-AM) — A controversial former Archbishop who resigned his position in Minneapolis-St. Paul after sexual abuse allegations has been reassigned to work at St. Phillip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek.
John Nienstedt will work in the city on a temporary basis.
He resigned last June after prosecutors in Minneapolis filed criminal and civil charges, claiming the church failed to protect children from clergy sex abuse.
David Clohessy, the national director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, tells WKZO-AM there are allegations that Nienstadt himself had sexually exploited seminarians. He was cleared of allegations of abusing a young boy, but his diocese was charged with hiding a predator priest.
Clohessy calls the move an outrage, saying no other employer would retain an employee with such a work history, much less reassign him to a post where he is sure to come into contact with children.
He said it’s part of a pattern, alleging the church still rigorously protects anyone who wears a collar, despite promises of reform.
The diocese, which is based in Kalamazoo, defends their decision, saying Nienstedt hasn’t been convicted of anything and remains in good standing with the church.
They said he plans to spend six months with the Parish in Battle Creek, then will move on.
“(Neinstedt) will celebrate some of the weekend and weekday masses, visit the sick in the hospital, visit the sick and homebound, and celebrate mass for the nursing home and assisted living facilities,” Rev. John Fleckenstein with the Kalamazoo Diocese said.
He also said Nienstedt may also fill in for priests who cannot make scheduled masses and services.
– John McNeill
