Two former Milwaukee archbishops reassigned priests whose allegations of sex abuse of a child were substantiated. Their names will be removed from Archdiocesan-owned buildings.
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee had crews remove the name of Archbishop William Cousins from the Catholic Center, currently the chancery, main offices and retreat center in St. Francis.
Two former Milwaukee archbishops reassigned priests whose allegations of sex abuse of a child have been substantiated. Their names will be removed from Archdiocesan-owned buildings. (Video: @MelissaBarclay2) https://t.co/0ymim3r0sm pic.twitter.com/Dnk8kXNw58
— 620wtmj (@620wtmj) March 19, 2019
They will also remove the name of Archbishop Rembert Weakland from part of the property of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist downtown, a part which includes parish offices and outreach efforts.
“We hope that changing the names of these two buildings will continue to bring healing to abuse survivors and their families,” Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki said in an Archdiocesan statement.
“For a number of years, there has been talk of changing these names. As the Church continues to restore trust in its response to clergy sexual abuse, the timing seemed right to do so now.”
Archbishop Cousins served in the position from 1958-77. Archbishop Weakland followed Cousins from 1977-2002.
“It is easy to criticize decisions made decades ago, through the lens of today,” Listecki added.
“Whether it be clericalism, a misguided intent to protect the institutional church or the desire to avoid scandal, regard for priest-offenders often trumped care for victims. For this, I apologize to abuse survivors and to the faithful of this archdiocese.