Eighty-four Milwaukee priests object to search policy

Milwaukee, Wisconsin -

Eighty-four priests in the Milwaukee Catholic Archdiocese have endorsed a statement critical of a policy that would have required priests to consent to unannounced searches of their homes and other restrictions if church officials suspect or know they have been involved in inappropriate behavior.

The statement written by the Milwaukee Archdiocese Priest Alliance was approved by more than 65 percent of its 129 members, the Rev. Kenneth Mich, a spokesman for the group, said.

The policy was mailed to priests several weeks ago but Archbishop Timothy Dolan later said he would not implement it without "vigorous consultation" with priests.

The alliance statement was read Thursday to Dolan at a meeting of the Council of Priests, an advisory group to the archbishop.

The Rev. Curt Frederick, vicar for clergy in the archdiocese, said the meeting was attended by 26 priests and two bishops who are members of the council and an estimated 40 other priests.

Read the article at AP Wire Dated April 29, 2005

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