The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis deeply regrets the harm Curtis Wehmeyer caused his two young victims, their family and others in our community. We did act swiftly when the allegations of sexual abuse of a minor by Wehmeyer were made in June 2012. In hindsight and in light of what we now know, we also recognize that our handling of past concerns could have been better addressed.

Over the past year, a working group of lay and clergy leaders has been reviewing archdiocesan policy regarding clergy sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, as well as other misconduct in Church ministry. The archdiocese has been taking these steps to ensure that our policies continue to build on best practices, such as clearly defined roles for groups which review clergy misconduct and firmly establishing that acquiring, possessing or disseminating child pornography constitutes sexual abuse of a minor.

Our first priority is to create and maintain safe environments where the Gospel of Jesus Christ can flourish.  This means ensuring that clergy, employees, volunteers, and the young are aware of healthy boundaries and the societal problem of sexual abuse.  It also means creating an environment for and implementing productive steps to promote a healthy clergy.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual abuse in Church ministry, you are urged to call the police or other civil authorities. You are also invited to call the Archdiocese’s Director of Advocacy and Victim Assistance at 651-291-4497.