Hank Shea is a senior distinguished fellow at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. He also serves as a fellow of the UST Law School's Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing.
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Commentary
Archbishop Nienstedt: an example of how the pope's abuse law is not working
Commentary: A recent article caused me to reflect on the long-standing, unsuccessful efforts in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to hold John Nienstedt accountable for alleged sexual misconduct and a failed cover-up.
Commentary
Why I signed the letter asking Barr to resign
Commentary: Joining more than 1,100 former U.S. Department of Justice officials in signing the letter calling on Attorney General William Barr to resign his office, among other things, was a matter of honoring my faith.
Commentary
Essential lessons for conducting grand jury investigations of clergy sexual abuse
Commentary: Currently, at least 14 attorneys general are investigating clergy abuse of minors in their jurisdiction. As seen with the Pennsylvania grand jury report, future efforts to seek the truth will be undermined as long as the investigations and any resulting reports move forward using faulty practices.
Commentary
Curb the crisis: 10 essential lessons for investigating church leaders
Commentary: The faithful question how the church can restore trust without transparency and accountability. If true healing and restoration is to occur, legal privileges must be waived and some significant disclosures must take place.
