Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Gay Catholic Archbishop Writes Memoir

Figure in sex scandal admits orientation, denies assault

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted May 12, 2009 11:58 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – A Catholic archbishop who resigned in 2002 over a sex scandal with a man has written a book addressing his sexual orientation, reports the AP. Rembert Weakland was head of the Milwaukee archdiocese and a hero to liberal Catholics for his activism, until he resigned at the peak of the clergy’s molestation crisis, after a former theology student revealed that he was paid $450,000 to settle a decades-old sexual assault claim against Weakland.

Weakland denies the assault accusation, but admits concealing the settlement payment. Of his new book, he says, “I was very careful and concerned that the book not become a Jerry Springer, to satisfy people's prurient curiosity or anything of this sort.” Called a Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church, it comes out in June.

This Aug, 28, 2002 file photo shows retired Archbishop Rembert Weakland, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, Wis.
This Aug, 28, 2002 file photo shows retired Archbishop Rembert Weakland, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, Wis.   (AP Photo/Dale Guldan, Pool, File)
In this June 30, 2003 file photo, Pope John Paul II, right, talks with Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan, Weakland's successor in Milwaukee.
In this June 30, 2003 file photo, Pope John Paul II, right, talks with Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Michael Dolan, Weakland's successor in Milwaukee.   (AP Photo/Massimo Sambucetti, FIle)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I refused to let myself become a victim and refused to let myself become angry," he said. "I want to take responsibility but I want to move on. - Rembert Weakland

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
freethemall
May 17, 2009 4:23 AM CDT
Right on! You are truly the "voice of reason" at least on this subject.
voiceofreason
May 17, 2009 3:53 AM CDT
This article only strengthens my belief that the basic problem is highly religious men discover that they have no attraction to the opposite sex. Unfortunately for them their religion has no place for homosexuals. Therefore they start to think "GOD" has another purpose for them. What could "GOD" want them to do that has no need for sex. Of course. Join the Church thats it. So they give there life to the church. Only problem is they may not have urges to be with the opposite sex, but they do have same sex urges that they have been repressing for years now. Finally the urges become to much and they only same sex outlet readily available is the church children. If it wasn't for absurd religious beliefs they could have had a completely consensual relationship with another person of the same sex and a happy life, and the alter boys wouldn't have to be molested to boot. Everybody wins ; except the religious fanatics and their "BELIEFS". Unfortunately beliefs can be very dangerous, EVERYBODY THAT DIED ON 9/11 DIED BECAUSE OF A GROUP OF PEOPLES BELIEF IN A "GOD".!!! Tell me when will the madness stop?
US

 
Milwaukee • child molestation • clergy abuse scandal • Roman Catholic bishops • Rembert Weakland

More Newser Stories

Pope to Church: Pedophilia Was 'Badly Handled'
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne