This is a follow-up report to a previously published story by the Associated Press.
The Rev. Peter Laird, vicar general at the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis and the former vice rector at the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity, resigned Thursday amid fresh criticism of how top church officials handled cases of priests accused of sexual misconduct.
Laird’s departure follows a report by Minnesota Public Radio News last week documenting how church leaders, including Laird, knew about a long record of sexual misconduct by the Rev. Curtis Wehmeyer. Still, church leaders promoted him anyway. Wehmeyer is now in prison for sexually abusing two boys and possessing child pornography.
Laird’s resignation occurred the same day as a St. Paul police report, which mentions Laird in connection with a pornography investigation involving another priest, was discussed in court. Jeff Anderson, an attorney who specializes in representing victims of sexual abuse by clergy, gave the Associated Press a copy of that report.
“I am hopeful 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,” Laird said in a resignation statement posted on the archdiocese website.
Archdiocese spokesman Jim Accurso said, “Father Laird’s decision to resign was unexpected and was his decision alone.” Accurso added, “He did nothing wrong. This is an opportunity for a fresh start in leadership.”
St. Thomas leaders reflected Friday on a worldwide scandal that has hit closer to home.
The Rev. John Malone, St. Thomas’ vice president for mission said everyone is let down.
“Anytime a failure of that sort happens, it’s a scar on the whole community; it affects everybody,” Malone said. “All we can do is create an environment to never let it happen again.”
Chair of the theology department Bernard Brady said he was angered by the news, especially as a parent.
“It’s harder to teach Catholic theology when leaders of the Catholic church make the front page of the newspaper for these sorts of things,” Brady said.
At this time, St. Thomas’ Office for Mission has no plans to respond to the revelations. Malone emphasized that even though St. Thomas is not owned or operated by the archdiocese, President Julie Sullivan has been “so conscious of the obligation that the university follow laws–both legal and moral laws–and first and foremost protect young people, vulnerable people. She has no tolerance for exceptions.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.