Victim assistance leader to leave Milwaukee archdiocese post

Amy Peterson, who for six years has led the Archdiocese of Milwaukee office that works with clergy sex abuse survivors, is leaving that post to take a similar position with a Catholic religious order.

Peterson said her departure is unrelated to the church's ongoing bankruptcy and that she is looking forward to new challenges.

"It's been a powerful experience ... a real gift in my life," said Peterson, who worked for Milwaukee's Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault before taking the archdiocese post in September 2004. "I'm grateful to the survivors, and to the archdiocese for giving me this opportunity."

Peterson is moving to the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order as the first lay person to direct its Office of Pastoral Care and Conciliation.

The Detroit-based order, which staffs or operates three parishes, the House of Peace and the St. Ben's meal program locally and has about 175 members throughout the Midwest, is looking to Peterson to help strengthen its pastoral response to victims and survivors and the education and training for staff and volunteers in its ministries.

JSOnline