Posted: 7/24/02

New abuse allegation targets St. Peter's

Branden Peterson
Staff Writer

Alistening session at St. Peterís Church in Forest Lake on June 25 uncovered three former priests with accusations of sexual abuse.

Theodore Krammer Jr., 34, of Columbus, filed a lawsuit against the archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and priest Rev. Lee D. Krautkremer last Tuesday, July 16.

Krammer alleges he was molested in 1977 when he was a 10-year-old alter boy at St. Peterís Church. He claims he was abused on a weekend trip to Krautkremerís cabin in Wisconsin.

Krautkremer served at St. Peterís parish from 1976-1979.

Krammer says it took six years before he was able to tell his parents of the abuse that had plagued his mind for so long.

ìItís like a disease or a poison that sits inside of you that you donít know what to do with. Especially when youíre ten and you donít know what to do.î

After hearing the story, Krammerís family then notified the archdiocese leaders of the abuse in 1983.

Krammer decided to step forward after learning Krautkremer was absent from the list of known abusers of St. Peterís clergy.

He is deeply dissatisfied with the archdioceseís reaction to his allegations.

ìThey knew. Why the hell ófrom Page 1

wasnít he on that list of abusers, thatís the question, because we met with the archdiocese, we talked to them and said ëlook, he did this.í

ìThey knew and they covered it up.î Krammer said in an interview with the Forest Lake Times.

A written statement by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis ìstrenuouslyî denies the allegations of Krammer.

Father Bob Sipe of St. Peterís issued a statement on behalf of St. Peters in regards to Mr. Krammerís allegations.

ìWe were shocked when we heard of the allegations by Ted Krammer. We feel bad for Ted and his family.

ìWe had no knowledge of the alleged abuse prior to the listening session when Father Krautkremerís name came up.

ìWe are happy people are coming forward, and we encourage others to step forward as well.î

Father Sipe also said he contacted archdiocese offices the following day after the listening session June 25.

The Forest Times received a FAX on Tuesday stating Krautkremer served the archdiocese from 1966 to last March.

After Krautkremer left St. Peterís, he served at St. Josephís Church in Lino Lakes for three years. He next served at St. Michaelís Church in St. Michael until 1987.

He later went on to serve at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, before being removed from parish work in 1988 by the archdiocese. He was then assigned to North Memorial Hospital in 1989.

Krautkremer was asked by the archdiocese to resign and retire in March. He resigned his chaplain assignment April 15, 2002.

The archdiocese says Krautkremer no longer has an active role in ministry.

Krammer speaks

Theodore Krammer is no longer involved with St. Peterís, but is still concerned other victims are yet to step forward.

ìI always wondered. Once youíre abused, you think thereís got to be someone else. From day one I wondered.

ìYou go to church, and you canít help but look around and wonder ëdid you go to the cabin? Did you do anything with him?î

Krammer is now glad he has decided to publicly disclose his story.

ìYou donít realize how many people are out there supporting you. Itís very scary, prior to the press conference on Tuesday, you kind of think that youíre alone with my family. î

Thankful for the support he has received, Krammer credits attorney Jeff Anderson for introducing him to other sexual abuse victims stories.

ìThe stories they tell help you because you know theyíve been through this process. Itís helpful, and you donít feel alone anymore.î

Krammer marched with supporters Tuesday from Ramsey County District Court to the archdiocese offices.

Although archdiocese officials deny the allegations, they admit there may be a possible second complaint of abuse by Krautkremer in the 1980ís.

Recognizing his story is one of many, Krammer believes the archdiocese needs to do more to help victims of abuse.

ìI think the archdiocese has to get behind changing the statute of limitations.î

The statute of limitations allows priests legal protection from litigation of sexual abuse.

ìNo one has to be accountable, no one has to have any responsibility....î

ìThe archdiocese, in my opinion, is saying well itís a good thing this law is here because we are able to hide a lot of secrets. Yes they are making some changes, but they arenít affected.î

Krammer now looks for action against Krautkremer.

ìAll I want to see is Krautkremer held responsible for his actions. And Iíd like to see him held responsible in a court of law of his actions, because heís a criminal. He was 25 years ago and he is today, he hasnít changed.

ìIíd also like to see the archdiocese held accountable in the same fashion because even though they didnít commit the act, they drove the getaway car. When you hide it when you move somebody.î

Encourages others

Krammer admits he is finally feeling relief from the abuse now that he has decided to come forward.

ìI chose to do this because I can make more of an impact, and I donít feel like they can hurt me any more than I've already been hurt.

ìItís really empowering to come forward and just say this happened to me but Iím dealing with it, and this is part of dealing with this and this is part of healing for me.î

Krammer hopes he can be an example for other victims to come forward.

ìI want to see other individuals come forward, and it doesnít have to be publicly. I just canít help but think that there are other people that I went to school with that this happened to and everyone kept their mouth shut.î

ìPeople have to have confidence and have the strength to tell (legal) counsel this. Itís the only way changes are going to happen.î

ìIím placed in a position to make an impact where someone says ëyou know Ted, same thing happened to meí and talk to me about it. Iím so open to talk about it because I care, I understand, I know, I relate, Iíve been through it.î

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