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May 23, 2002
Statement of Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., Archbishop of Milwaukee
I have never abused anyone. I have not seen Paul Marcoux for more than
20 years. When I first met him here in Milwaukee, he was a man in his
early thirties. Paul Marcoux has made reference to a settlement
agreement between us. Because I accept the agreement's confidentiality
provision, I will make no comment about its contents.
Because I have financial responsibility for the well being of the
archdiocese, I want to let the people of the archdiocese know that
through my 25 years as bishop, I have handed over to the archdiocese
money obtained by my lectures and writings, together with other
honoraria. Cumulatively, those monies far exceed any settlement amount.
Given the climate in today's world where the Church must regain its
credibility, this situation would be an added and continuing distraction
from that goal. I do not want to be an obstacle to that search on the
part of the Church, which I will continue to love with all my heart and
which I have served to the best of my abilities for these fifty-one
years.
As required by Church law, I submitted my resignation as archbishop to
the Holy Father on my 75th birthday on April 2nd. I have now asked the
Vatican to accelerate its acceptance.
I ask for prayers and healing.
Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B.
Archbishop of Milwaukee
A PDF version is available by opening the document below.
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