"unfortunate" disclosure (catholic caucus)

Curt Jester ^ | 11/6/2009 | Jeff Miller

[markomalley]

A priest in the Diocese of Scranton has been removed as administrator of three Throop parishes after he inadvertently displayed four photos of what a diocese spokesman called "minimally attired adult males" before the 8 a.m. Mass at St. Bridget's Church on Oct. 25.

The Rev. Edward P. Lyman was using his personal computer to project an informational DVD about the diocesan Annual Appeal fundraiser when he accidentally showed the "inappropriate personal photographs" that were stored on his computer, according to a diocesan statement read at the Throop Masses on Sunday.

Diocese spokesman William Genello said the photos were not pornographic and did not display nudity or sexual activity. The photos were not of the Rev. Lyman, nor did he take the pictures, Mr. Genello said.

There were no pictures of minors and no evidence of illegal activity, he said.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, the interim leader of the diocese, has appointed the Rev. Jeffrey Walsh as the new administrator of St. Anthony, St. Bridget and St. John the Baptist parishes.

In a statement to the congregations on Sunday, the Rev. Walsh said his "abrupt" appointment was necessary because of the "unfortunate" disclosure of the photographs a week earlier.

"This event was greatly disturbing to those who were present at St. Bridget's," he said.[reference]

Well it least it wasn't something really evil like a Powerpoint presentation.

The Diocese put this notice on their site.

Reverend Edward P. Lyman, from Administrator, Saint Bridget, Saint Anthony and Saint John the Baptist Parishes, Throop, to Leave of Absence for reasons of health, effective October 30, 2009.

Reasons of health, yes that the ticket. A prevalent reason among bishops/priests after an "unfortunate" event. I guess it is harder for them to use the excuse that they are stepping down to "spend more time with their family" like politicians.

[markomalley]

Unbelievable. Goes to show you if they'd just have followed their 1961 guidance, Religiosorum institutio (Instruction on the Careful Selection And Training Of Candidates For The States Of Perfection And Sacred Orders), how many of these problems would have been avoided.

Advantage to religious vows and ordination should be barred to those who are afflicted with evil tendencies to homosexuality or pederasty, since for them the common life and the priestly ministry would constitute serious dangers.

(BTW, why the 'humor' topic? Because of the diocesan response)

[dangus]

They presumably consider it an issue of mental health.