Diocese denies rumor, says bishop not called to Rome
A rumor that Bishop Joseph Adamec has been summoned to the Vatican to make a "verbal presentation" regarding diocesan priests is just that, a rumor, Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese says.
Sister Mary Parks, a spokeswoman for the diocese, said she hadn't discussed the rumor with the bishop, but it was denied by a diocesan official.
Dr. Brian Kopp of Johnstown, a Catholic activist, said in a statement that Adamec announced at a Clergy Conference at Seven Springs Resort that he had received a letter from the Congregation of Bishops at the Vatican summoning him to Rome. The purpose, Kopp said, was to explain a gag order placed on priests.
I again this morning talked to the clergy member from whom I received this report yesterday to verify the story, and he continues to maintain the veracity of the initial report. He contacted 2 other clergy members this morning who were also present at the bishop's talk.
One concurred with the account exactly as related yesterday while the other was unsure whether the bishop indicated he had to personally travel to Rome or if an explanatory letter was being sent to the Congregation of Bishops at the Vatican.
Either way, it is maintained by all 3 clergy members that Bishop Adamec stated he was being questioned about the gag order.
It is also clear that Sister Mary Parks is commenting on this story without speaking to the bishop himself.