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Abbot Letter

Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, the Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, wrote a letter about recent allegations of sexual abuse by Norbertines in the late 1980s. The allegations were reported to authorities and investigated but deemed not credible. However, the Abbot acknowledges the great harm caused by any abuse and asks for forgiveness on behalf of the Norbertine community. He says the protection of children is the highest priority and they have worked to rebuild trust in the community. The Abbot asks for prayers for all victims and survivors of abuse.

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18K views1 page

Abbot Letter

Rt. Rev. Dane J. Radecki, the Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, wrote a letter about recent allegations of sexual abuse by Norbertines in the late 1980s. The allegations were reported to authorities and investigated but deemed not credible. However, the Abbot acknowledges the great harm caused by any abuse and asks for forgiveness on behalf of the Norbertine community. He says the protection of children is the highest priority and they have worked to rebuild trust in the community. The Abbot asks for prayers for all victims and survivors of abuse.

Uploaded by

Krystal Frasier
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Rt. Rev. Dane J. R adeck i, O. Pr aem.

Abbot of St. Norbert Abbey

1016 N. Broadway | De Pere, WI 54115-2610 U.S.A.


920.337.4300 | [email protected]

December 4, 2020

Dear Confreres and Friends of the Abbey,

A story appeared in the local paper that features allegations of sexual abuse against Norbertines that
supposedly occurred in the late 1980s. These allegations were reported immediately to civil authorities
and third-party investigators interviewed all names forwarded to them, reviewed files, and deemed the
accusations to be not credible.

This story is tragic for the Lindstrom family and friends. I have expressed condolences and sympathy
personally to the Lindstrom family and continue to pray for them and all victims of abuse. Many are
saddened, including me, because of the great harm caused by abuse especially by members of our
community. On behalf of the Norbertine community, I humbly ask for your forgiveness.

This tragic news brings much pain to the local community and to our Norbertine community. The pain
continues to be felt by victims, families of victims, members of our church community, and all who
continue to deal with this sad history in our Church. We know many are angry with the Church and our
Norbertine community, and we hear your anger. It motivates us to be better Norbertines, living up to the
higher standard of our call.

Our community believes that the protection of children is the highest priority. For the last two decades,
we have worked towards rebuilding trust within the local community and acknowledging shortcomings.
The Norbertines stand with accusers, victims and survivors, and those accused, working with local
authorities to verify the credibility of each accusation.

Along with the Diocese of Green Bay, the Norbertines have sponsored an annual healing retreat for
victims and their families. As Abbot, I’ve met with victims and supported requests for counseling. In June
2019, the Norbertine community released to the public a list of Norbertines with credible allegations after
Praesidum, Inc. reviewed personnel files from the abbey. Since 2007, St. Norbert Abbey has been
accredited as a religious community meeting the national standards for the protection of children and
vulnerable adults.

If anyone has an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, please call the local police and/or Child Protective
Services at 920-448-6035. If the allegation involves any Norbertine, call local police first, then please
contact the St. Norbert Abbey Office for Safe Environment at 920-337-4311

I ask for your prayers for all victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

In Christ, through Mary and Norbert,

Rt. Rev. Dane Radecki, O. Praem.


Abbot – St. Norbert Abbey

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