Hank Shea is a senior distinguished fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis and a professor of practice at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in Tucson. He previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney for the district of Minnesota.
Commentary: A recent article caused me to reflect on the long-standing, unsuccessful efforts in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to hold John Nienstedt accountable for alleged sexual misconduct and a failed cover-up.
Commentary: Joining more than 1,100 former U.S. Department of Justice officials in signing the letter calling on Attorney General William Barr to resign his office, among other things, was a matter of honoring my faith.
Commentary: Currently, at least 14 attorneys general are investigating clergy abuse of minors in their jurisdiction. As seen with the Pennsylvania grand jury report, future efforts to seek the truth will be undermined as long as the investigations and any resulting reports move forward using faulty practices.
Commentary: The faithful question how the church can restore trust without transparency and accountability. If true healing and restoration is to occur, legal privileges must be waived and some significant disclosures must take place.
