TODAY'S TMJ4

Two Priests Removed After Sex Abuse Claim

By Diane Pathieu

MILWAUKEE - Two Milwaukee priests have been removed from serving in their roles in the Archdiocese after reports of child abuse.

The most recent priest has not been named, but he was officially listed as "retired."

That comes after Fr. Laurin Wenig, the pastor of St. Mary's in Elm Grove, was forced to step aside.

The Archdiocese said that because accusations came from a credible source, Fr. Wenig cannot practice at St. Mary's until the investigation is complete.

Parishioners learned about accusations during weekend Masses.

"I'm very saddened by what I heard, but then again, innocent until proven guilty," said Mary Soto, who belongs to St. Mary's Parish.

Archdiocese officials say someone made allegations of sexual abuse of a child against Fr. Wenig, which stems from the 1970's.

Fr. Wenig said in a letter: "Someone made an allegation of sexual abuse against me, dating back to a parish where I
served over three and a half decades ago. i absolutely deny this claim."

Many parishioners are standing by him.

"I know Fr. Laurin, and I have deep respect and admiration for him," said Jerry Shimek.

Peter Isely of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said that several new complaints have come to light since the Milwaukee Archdiocese filed for bankruptcy following settlements over sexual abuse, and more victims are speaking out.