24 Jul Trial Court Update

Dear Upper Midwest Diocese, 

This week the Province sent several emails regarding Bishop Stewart’s ecclesiastical trial that had started on Monday, July 14. The Court also released their own statement yesterday, July 23. 

Due to the prosecutor’s unexpected resignation last Friday, the trial has been temporarily paused. The Archbishop subsequently named a new prosecutor, whom you can read about here. The Court has set a tentative date of August 11 for the trial to resume. 

You can read the Court’s response to the prosecutor’s resignation here.
You can read the Archbishop’s previous letter announcing the resignation here, the provincial chancellor’s letter here, and the prosecutor’s resignation letter here. 

The trial was originally anticipated to last five to ten business days. Once the trial concludes, the Court will have 60 days to present a written judgment, after which either party may appeal within 30 days. 

Please continue to pray for everyone involved in this trial who has been impacted by the unexpected delay. The Diocese continues to hope for a just and thorough process to bring closure and healing for everyone involved. 

You can find background about the trial and investigative process in our diocesan FAQs here. Find the latest news from the Upper Midwest, including task forces, new Deans, and more in our May News Roundup here. 

Sincerely,

Dawn Jewell
Communications Director