From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Twin Cities attorney Victoria Newcome Johnson recently announced she is stepping down from her position as ombudsperson for clerical sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis – a role in which Victoria has served since May of 2020. Replacing Victoria as ombudsperson is Julie Craven. Julie is currently serving as associate director for the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing (IRJH) at the University of Saint Thomas, working with the founding director, Father Daniel Griffith. Julie is well-known in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis for her work in restorative justice and healing with great experience in accompanying those who have been abused inside and outside of the Church.
Victoria, a former Assistant Hennepin County Attorney and restorative justice and healing ministry advocate cited wanting to spend more time with her children and growing number of grandchildren as the reason for her resignation. Victoria will continue to serve on the Board of Directors of the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing at the University of Saint Thomas School of Law.
The position of ombudsperson resulted from the Settlement Agreement reached by the Archdiocese with the Ramsey County Attorney’s office in December of 2015 and amended in July of 2016. The ombudsperson acts as an outside resource for individuals having questions or concerns about clerical sexual abuse within the Archdiocese, a voluntary role which is entirely independent of the Archdiocese and of the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
After serving as ombudsperson for more than two years, Johnson said, “Replacing my late husband Tom Johnson as Ombudsman was a decision I made carefully, and prayerfully. My service over the past two years has been challenging at times, but also deeply moving and incredibly rewarding. Accompanying victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse (along with members of their families) in their quest for justice and healing – often after many years have passed – was a heartfelt and humbling experience. I am grateful to Archbishop Hebda and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi for entrusting me with the task, and to the Office of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment at the Archdiocese for implementing new policies and approaches which have made a positive difference in the treatment of victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse.”
Archbishop Hebda expressed his gratitude for Victoria’s service to those who have been harmed and need an advocate, saying, “Victoria and her late husband, Tom, came to our Church’s aid when we needed them most. Their combined efforts have positioned us to serve not only those who suffered harm, but to be responsive to our broader community and prepare for challenges still ahead.”
Julie’s heart for service and experience has prepared her well to serve as ombudsperson, saying, “I’m honored to be asked to serve in this role. The experiences in parishes, locally and in other dioceses, and with the Initiative on Restorative Justice and Healing at the St. Thomas School of Law, will be a wonderful background in this work of accountability and healing.”
“I have had the privilege of working alongside Julie for a number of years and have long admired her commitment to building a better future through action and accountability combined with compassion, accessibility and restorative justice,” said Judge Tim O’Malley, Director of Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Julie Craven may be reached at 651-324-1485 (text or voicemail) or via email at ombudsarchspm@gmail.com.
