Posted on 02/07/2006 6:58:40 PM PST by Coleus
Bart Aslin of Dexter, Mich., recently sent me the following (edited) e-mail:
I am a former priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, and I confirm the stories concerning Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. The instances of him sleeping with seminarians goes back to when he was bishop of Metuchen. I was originally a seminarian with the Diocese of Metuchen and transferred to Newark. I did not attend Seton Hall University, but rather Mt. St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Md. It was common knowledge that McCarrick engaged in this activity.
Just prior to my leaving the archdiocese, I spoke with [priest’s name deleted] who was living in residence at [parish name deleted]. [Priest’s name deleted] told me McCarrick wanted him to sleep with him. [Priest’s name deleted] took an extended leave of absence after that.
During my five years of seminary training and five years of priesthood, I was confronted with many instances of homosexuality. It disillusioned me and led to my leaving the priesthood and eroding my faith in the Church. Now married with three children, I find it extremely difficult to have respect for a Church hierarchy that elevated McCarrick to the level of cardinal. The Church knew of his activities; I have no doubt about that.
I pray that those abused by this man will find peace in their lives.
In a subsequent (edited) e-mail, Aslin stated:
[Priest’s name deleted] said when he refused to sleep with the archbishop, the archbishop responded, ‘I just want to sleep with you [name deleted]; I don't want to [expletive] you.’
Priest: Washington Post sat on 'McCarrickgate'
Newark priest knew of McCarrick "sleepovers," fires back at archdiocese
Priest accuses U.S. cardinal of abuse of power
Catholic priest's faith nearly dead
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Matt C. Abbott is a Catholic journalist and commentator. He is a columnist for and/or contributor to MichNews.com,TheConservativeVoice.com, RenewAmerica.us, Catholic.org, Opeds.com and Speroforum.com. He is also an occasional contributor to "The Wanderer" Catholic newspaper. He can be reached at mattcabbott@hotmail.com.
So, what are we to make of JP II who promoted so many of these monsters. This was a great pope? V's wife.
scratchin my head...how do actions of man erode one's faith in God ?
For starters: through lies, calumny, scandal, heresy. All can lead others to lose their faith in God. But you knew that...
Jesus made Judas a Bishop
Liberals always shift the blame to their enemies
I used to use that argument, too. But JP II promoted so many who are in the Lavendar Mafia and these things are known by the Congregation for the Propagation, therefore, well, it is known. This troubles me and I fear for Christ's church. Yes, I know the ultimate outcome, but one is also to look at the times, and one must also recognize a point comes when even the very elect are deceived. So, I bear this in mind, too. V's wife.
This is still hearsay evidence, though stronger than previous entirely anonymous hearsay evidence. still, the actual ear-witnesses remain cloaked by anonymity and the only person to put his name behind the allegations is a transfer into the diocese from a neighboring diocese who reports hearsay within the diocese.
I'm not saying that the allegations are not true. I am saying that one needs to be careful about hearsay evidence.
Dear Dionysiusdecordealcis,
It seems to me that this gentlemen should not have even said what he's said. Having no first-hand evidence, not having witnessed or be subjected to the alleged actions, it's difficult for me to distinguish this from gossip.
The differences between this allegation and those made by Fr. Hoatson in the other thead are significant [ http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1573773/posts ].
In the other case, Fr. Hoatson has claimed to have "personal knowledge" of the homosexual activities of some bishops. As well, he has made his accusations through a lawsuit, meaning that he's willing to come forward with evidence and testimony that will be acceptable in a court of law, and that he understands that he opens himself to liability if his charges are false. Fr. Hoatson's allegations deserve serious consideration.
These allegations seem like so much gossip, to me.
sitetest
His JOB didn't have anything to do with what OTHER priests did in the privacy of their own bedrooms, it had to do with Jesus Christ and other Christians.
If priestly homosexuality could turn him from his vocation, then obviously his vocation wasn't that strong. I'm sure he is a good husband and father, though if his wife and children fail to live up to HIS standards, father dad/husband might end up being "disillusioned" with THEM. Perhaps he's already learned some patience about imperfections....kids will do that to you.
And Jesus KNEW that Judas would betray him.
Thanks for the reminder.
I note that Fr. Hoatson is still a priest. When I see ex-priest, I think of someone with an ax to grind.
Fantastic! A great riposte, with deep connotations about human nature and the hope for individual redemption. Excellent!
-Theo
Where in Scripture do you find this?
Except for the bishops in the Vatican, the pope has little personal knowledge about the men who are appointed bishops. By and large, they are chosen by the national hierarchies under the supervision of the papal nuncios. Granted thatr the pope was a terrible administrator, and the man he appointed as nuncio to the United States was a notorious liberal, he was, after all, only one man whose energies were exerted in other directions.
"It's put-up or shut-up time."
You got it.
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