Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password. A Ramsey County judge has ordered Catholic officials in New Ulm and Duluth and the religious order Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate to release all documents pertaining to alleged clergy sex abuse dating as far back as Ramsey County Judge John Guthmann issued the order after hearing arguments in the case of a man who accuses the Rev. James Vincent Fitzgerald of sexually abusing him when he was boy in Explore the full investigation Clergy abuse, cover-up and crisis in the Twin Cities Catholic church.
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. Guthmann ordered the two dioceses and Oblates of Mary Immaculate to provide all documents regarding alleged abuse by any priest employed by the churches or was present at any of their facilities since And we think it's an important development in this case.
The documents may show a pattern of sexual abuse that is admissible during trial, Anderson said. Susan Gaertner, attorney for the Diocese of Duluth, said church officials there will comply with the judge's order now that it is more specific.
She said the plaintiff was previously on a "fishing expedition" when requesting a much bigger volume of documents that the judge has cut short in this most recent order. The order requests information from the time Fitzgerald was ordained in to , a period when the alleged abuse took place. Fitzgerald worked in several parishes across the state. He died in Gaertner said the Diocese of Duluth will comply with the judge's order, but she doesn't anticipate there to be much more information than what's already been submitted as part of the litigation process.
Skip to Main Content Skip to audio player to listen live. Create a Free MPR. Sign up. Create Account. Already have an account? Sign in. By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings.
