Minnesota Pastor Questions Handling of Abuse Cases

NORTH ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The pastor of a North St. Paul parish says it's time for a "fresh start," and he questions whether Archbishop John Nienstedt should continue in his post.

Reports say the Rev. Bill Deziel used his Sunday bulletin at the Church of St. Peter to address reports that church leaders mishandled allegations of clergy sexual misconduct.

Deziel says he shares his parishioners' frustration and called for a "do-over" of archdiocesan leadership.

Deziel also called on the archdiocese to release the names of 33 priests accused of sexually abusing children and to open priest files to law enforcement.

An archdiocese spokesman says Nienstedt plans to address the issue Thursday in the Catholic Spirit newspaper.

Meanwhile, St. Paul attorney Thomas Lyons has started an online petition calling for Nienstedt's resignation.