In a meeting Tuesday to discuss recent sexual misconduct charges against a priest, some of the 35 area Catholics that gathered also alleged that distrust separates them and the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona. The parishioners said church leaders have slowly withdrawn communication with parishioners and are unresponsive to their inquiries.
The meeting, organized by the Winona Voice of the Faithful, focused mostly on recent news that the Rev. Edward F. McGrath was charged with fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct in St. Paul and put on leave of absence as pastor of Pax Christi church in Rochester.
McGrath, 48, was arrested May 7 at a St. Paul park for making sexual advances on an undercover officer during a police sting.
More news emerged this month that a man has filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Winona for sexual assaults he claims took place 36 years ago at the hands of the Rev. Thomas Adamson.
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Parishioners want greater Winona diocese response
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