MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Catholic church leaders in Minnesota say they won't recommend any priest for active ministry if they've been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.
The pledge is part of child protection protocols called for in Monday's settlement of a groundbreaking public nuisance lawsuit against the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and the Diocese of Winona.
Church leaders were accused of failing to warn parishioners about an abusive priest.
The protocols also call for church leaders to disclose any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor by a priest when asked, along with the resolution. And church leaders pledge to release documents when claims are substantiated.