US: Archbishop accused of sexual misconduct forces gay man to resign over marriage

A Minnesota Archbishop who is currently under investigation over alleged sexual misconduct with other priests is now forcing another man to resign from the church, saying his same-sex marriage does not “uphold church teaching”.

Archbishop John Nienstedt “recommended” the resignation of Jamie Moore, the music director at St Victoria Catholic Church, after Mr Moore married his long-time partner over the weekend.

The archbishop said the same-sex marriage does not “uphold the church teaching.”

Shortly after, parishioners got an email from Father Bob White informing them that Mr Moore would not be returning to work.

According to CBS Minnesota, Nienstedt said in a statement: “The… conduct of church employees can inspire and motivate people, but it can also scandalize and undermine their faith.

“Church employees must… recognize and accept the responsibilities that accompany their ministry.”

Last September, the archbishop wrote that Satan was responsible for the passing of Minnesota’s equal marriage laws, as well as for pornography, sodomy and contraception.

A year earlier, he penned an open letter asking Catholics in Minnesota to vote against equal marriage, dubbing it “a man-made social experiment” that would harm children.

He is currently being investigated by the church over allegations of same-sex sexual misconduct with other priests.

• Dec 01 2023

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