Minn. bishop rejects claim he pressured alleged abuse victim

Last updated on: May 10, 2017 at 9:12 pm by CNA Daily News

Minn. bishop rejects claim he pressured alleged abuse victim 2017-05-10T21:12:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Crookston, Minn., May 10, 2017 / 03:12 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Bishop Michael Hoeppner of Crookston, Minn. has rejected a lawsuit’s assertion that he coerced a deacon candidate into renouncing his claim that a priest sexually abused him as a teen.

Ronald Vasek has filed a lawsuit against the bishop and the Diocese of Crookston seeking both unspecified damages exceeding $50,000 and the release of records of sexual abuse by priests in the diocese, Reuters reports. Vasek has claimed that the bishop threatened the man’s efforts to become a deacon and his son’s career in the priesthood.

“Bishop Hoeppner categorically denies that he in any way forced, coerced or encouraged Mr. Vasek not to pursue his allegations,” the diocese said, adding that the bishop and other leaders are “deeply saddened and troubled” by the allegations.

Vasek charged that in 1971, at the age of 16, he was molested during a trip to Cincinnati by Msgr. Roger Grundhaus, a priest of the diocese who went on to become vicar general. The trip was for a meeting of canon lawyers, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

He reportedly informed a priest about the abuse in 2009 or 2010, while he was considering becoming a deacon. The lawsuit said the information was passed on to Bishop Hoeppner.

According to the diocese, the allegation of abuse was reported to law enforcement in 2011. Msgr. Grundhaus has been retired since July 2010 and is presently suspended from active ministry.

“The Diocese of Crookston plans to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” said the diocese, adding that further comment would be inappropriate until the investigation is completed.

In 2010, Vasek’s son was ordained a priest for the diocese. Vasek entered the diaconate program the next year.

The lawsuit charges that in 2015, Bishop Hoeppner pressured Vasek to sign a letter that recanted his previous statements alleging sexual abuse. The lawsuit claims this was motivated in part because the accused priest was unable to minister in other dioceses due to the abuse allegation in the diocese’s records.

The suit charges that the bishop told Vasek he would have trouble ordaining him a deacon unless he recanted. The bishop allegedly suggested Vasek’s son’s career in the priesthood would also face difficulty.

Vasek said he signed the letter and the bishop said he would keep it in his vault if it were ever needed. He claims that the bishop was blackmailing him.

The lawsuit further claims that a 2015 court order required the allegation against Msgr. Grundhaus to be made public, but it was not.

Vasek’s attorney is Jeff Anderson, who has been involved in many lawsuits against the Catholic Church involving sex abuse allegations.

Father Bob Schreiner, who oversees the diocese’s deacon program, stood by Vasek’s side at a May 9 news conference and said he believed him. The priest has known Vasek for over 28 years.

The diocese said it is committed to the protection of children and a safe environment in its schools, communities and parishes. Its statement encouraged anyone with information about abuse or exploitation of children or young people to report it immediately to law enforcement or to the diocese’s victims’ assistance coordinator.

Bishop Hoeppner has asked for prayers for those involved.

Previous Post

May 10, 2017

Looking to Fatima, Pennsylvania bishops to dedicate dioceses to Mary

Next Post

May 10, 2017 France's new president is a 'zombie Catholic'

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Pentecost" mean in Greek?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Fire from Heaven Harvest Fiftieth Holy Day