In this week's June 2, 2003 The Catholic Register of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Biashop Adamec denies being "summoned" to Rome and denies the "gag order" he placed on his priests at a meeting several months ago threatening suspension or excommunication of any priests publicly criticizing him or the diocese.
In his weekly column, "For the Good of the Household," entitled "Pentecost," Bishop Adamec states:
"...During this Season of Easter, I have reminded those gathered for the Sacrament of Confirmation that witnessing to the truth is not easy. The people of this world would rather believe what is to their immediate liking. Consequently, the truth about Jesus, about his Church, and about those who lead in the Church is skewed."
"Nor have I been exempt from such machinations. Some of our Faithful would have recently read in their local newspaper something to the effect that I have been summoned to Rome. Other than participating in the Ad Limina visits every five years (to which every bishop in the world is obligated), I have never been "summoned" to Rome. Supposedly, I am being asked to explain a "gag" order that I placed on the priests of the Diocese. No such order from me exists. That's just the latest; and, perhaps not, by the time you read this."
"Since the Church has always had those who dissent from within, it can be considered a normal part of the Church's life. We ought not to be surprised by that, nor should we allow it to deter us from a faithful witness to the Holy Spirit's work within and through us..."
Notice how he 1)denied he's been "summoned" to Rome and 2) denied he issued a gag order, but...
...he has not denied he received a letter from the Congregation for Bishops asking for an explanation, nor has his diocesan spokesperson.
He may not have been literally summoned to Rome. But everyone I've spoken to who heard his talk agrees he stated he has received a letter from the Congregation for Bishops asking him to explain his "gag order."
Most recently I heard he's been requested to present this explanation to the US apostolic nuncio, who is to forward it to Rome.