Twin Cities Archdiocese Removes 1 Priest, Reinstates Another

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is reinstating one priest and removing another from active ministry.

Interim Archbishop Bernard Hebda said Wednesday the Rev. Joseph Gallatin was removed after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The allegation was reported in 1998, but earlier reviews concluded there was insufficient evidence.

But a new ministerial review board concluded there was sufficient evidence. The case has been referred to the Vatican. Gallatin has denied the allegation.

In a separate case, the Rev. Gerald Dvorak is returning to ministry as pastor of the Church of St. Peter in Richfield. Dvorak was placed on leave in May after an allegation he sexually abused a minor in the 1970s. But the board concluded the allegation was unsubstantiated. Dvorak said he's never abused anyone.