Dallas priest leaves parish, cites threats (Far more information than first reported)

The Washington Times ^ | July 2, 2002 | George Archibald

[robowombat]

A Dallas priest who professed his attraction for Hispanic men on an online homosexual pornographic chat room has left his parish after receiving what church officials called "threats against his life."

The Rev. Clifford Garner, 36, "will not be coming back," Monsignor Lawrence Pichard, pastor of St. Pius X Catholic Church announced at Masses last weekend, after the priest's comments on the Web site were reported by The Washington Times. "He will no longer be here at St. Pius again," Monsignor Pichard told parishioners, the Dallas Morning News reported yesterday. The monsignor said Father Garner had reported to the police two "threats against his life." However, the Dallas Police Department said he reported Thursday just one anonymous telephone call from a man who threatened "to beat him up." At around 9 p.m. EDT, the St. Pius X Web site (www.spxdallas.org) was cleansed of references to Father Garner as part of the parish. The site had earlier listed him among the parish priests, had provided a biography and had linked his e-mail address. However, an interactive question-and-answer section called "Ask an Expert by Fr. Cliff Garner" was still on the site last night. The threat against Father Garner came after newspaper reports of the priest's homosexual advocacy on the St. Sebastian's Angels Web site, which included pictures of nude men. In messages he posted to the site, Father Garner declared his desire for Hispanic men, including a youth pastor from Dallas with whom he shared a room at a Catholic retreat. The weekend before last, accompanied by Dallas Bishop Joseph Galante, Father Garner apologized to his parishioners for "inappropriate" remarks.

[robowombat]

This story was reported yesterday. Archibald's article contains far more indepth coverage of the on-going saga of the Rev Garner. As can be seen the diocese is busy stonewalling after being embarrassed by the over the top actions of Garner, who was stupid or arrogant enough to leave a clear trail of electronic evidence of his perversion. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Freepers in the Dallas-Ft Worth area need to keep a sharp eye out for the reassignment of this pervert to parish duties after a short rustication. Also it will be interesting to see what the fate of Rev Pitchard is. I understand that he insisted Garner take a hike after the Wash Times ran its first story on Garner's gay activities. Now Pitchard is on "vacation". Lets see if the "vacation" is followed with a "reassignment" that will be the Dallas equivalent of being sent to walk a beat on Staten Island.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Father Garner said he would find a way to keep communicating with chat room members.

I was skeptical of the "threats" yesterday when I read the article. Things didn't jibe. Garner needs to be dismissed post haste. Then he can move to South Africa and live with Reggie Cawcutt and stay in touch with his St. Sebastians buddies. Let the purge continue.

[eastsider]

"You'll have to call the diocese and leave a message."

Chancery Office

[John O]

Any exposure of children to homosexual activity is child abuse

Here we have further proof that SADs cannot restrain themselves from seeking deviant sex and that they must be removed from contact with children or youths. How many did this deviant molest? And when will they have the courage to come forward.

God Save America (Please)