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More allegations against Albany Diocese
Capital News 9 ^ | April 15, 2004 | Jessica Schneider

Posted on 04/15/2004 5:43:42 PM PDT by sidewalk

Outspoken attorney John Aretakis continued to press the Albany Diocese on Bishop Howard Hubbard's alleged homosexual relations and is now saying the note left by Father John Minkler before his suicide lashed out at the Bishop.

"I have been told by people who are aware of the letter. That it does address Bishop Hubbard's homosexuality and the rampant homosexuality and sexual misconduct of many Albany Diocesan priests, including Bishop Hubbard," Aretakis said.

Aretakis stood by several alleged victims of clergy abuse, all who said Bishop Hubbard's homosexual lifestyle was well known around the community. And they also said Hubbard did everything in his power to shelter his fellow gay priests.

David Leonard, alleged clergy sex abuse victim said, "Priests in Bishop Hubbard's Diocese have gotten away with their own private sexual activities for years -- like Father Minkler told us, because Bishop Hubbard so brazenly and arrogantly denied being gay. Now all priests and the Bishop are called on as great big liars. Again, where is the polygraph?"

Leonard, who is now 62, claimed he was abused by a Boston area priest when he was an adolescent. He also said he was manipulated into a homosexual relationship as an adult by an area priest.

Ken Goldfarb, spokesman for the Albany Diocese said there will be a polygraph test for Hubbard, and former federal attorney Mary Jo White's investigation is far from over. He also said these new allegations were false and bizarre claims manufactured by Aretakis in his ugly campaign against Bishop Hubbard.

However, David Leonard was outspoken in his belief that Hubbard was harboring abusive and homosexual priests. He said he met with Boston Archbishop Sean O'Malley at the end of February, and O'Malley encouraged him to speak out.

"He said that we have to rid the ranks of these individuals that have caused so much damage to the Roman Catholic Church and its credibility," Leonard said.

Calls to the Boston Archdiocese were not returned, and the Albany Diocese would not comment about Leonard's claims that he spoke to Archbishop O'Malley.


TOPICS: Catholic; Current Events
KEYWORDS: abuse; albany; aretakis; catholic; hubbard; minkler
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To: sinkspur; Renlea; Cincinnatus; NYer; ninenot; johnb2004; american colleen; BlackElk; saradippity; ..
Of course. Aretakis is a smear-artist. He's had THREE lawsuits thrown out, having brought all THREE of them outside the statute of limitations.

Same ole sinky, disingenuous as usual, harping on the same ole partial truth in an attempt to fool the gullible. Fortunately, most of us here are quite used to your AmChurch Propaganda Alinsky type of shameless lies.

Once again sinky, you have been corrected before that those lawsuits were NOT dismissed for lack of merit, but only due to coverup and procedural manipulation by Hubbard, which still points to his factual involvement in that mess. Even Hubbard himself admitted he had been "less than transparent" in dealing with these cases so why do you skew the facts that not even Hubbard would deny? Yeah yeah, save your breath, we know the answer only too well.

Precisely, Cincinnatus posted the below to you not even a month ago which left you speechless.

Fr. Doyle is being a bit disingenuous here. As I understand it, all of the cases that were thrown out were on statute of limitations grounds, NOT because they factually lacked merit. What Aretakis was unable to prove was that the diocesan coverup was such as would toll the statute of limitations and allow the cases to go forward. BIG difference and Atty. Fr. Doyle knows that. His continued smearing of Atty Aretakis is bad lawyering, unethical, and almost certainly sinful.

You also conveniently ignored to highlight the fact that Minkler's "henry letter" was under investigation by RCF way before Aretakis ever came on the scene, and RCF has an excellent track record of exposing and help getting rid of (some) corrupt AmChurch bishops like Ryan and Weakland.

I am a patient man. there is much more to be revealed in good time, and there will be a Grand Finale where Hubbard is properly disgraced (as he should be) and leave the scene for good. You just sit tight.

21 posted on 04/16/2004 5:29:20 AM PDT by m4629
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To: m4629
Once again sinky, you have been corrected before that those lawsuits were NOT dismissed for lack of merit, but only due to coverup and procedural manipulation by Hubbard,

Statutes of limitation are in place for a reason, m: memories tend to fade or get compromised with time. There was no manipulation by Hubbard; Aretakis knew before he filed the suits that they were outside the statute, yet he spit in the face of the court anyway, by bringing them.

What say you of this nutcase Leonard, the latest Aretakis "find," who accuses Hubbard of performing a "$6,000 exorcism on my body"?

He spent time in a mental institution, likely because he needed to.

How much does an exorcism cost, anyway?

22 posted on 04/16/2004 5:43:10 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: m4629
I am a patient man. there is much more to be revealed in good time,

If it comes from John Aretakis, nobody will believe any of it, as this ambulance-chaser has become a laughingstock.

23 posted on 04/16/2004 5:44:51 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: sinkspur
I suggest you check the facts instead of throwing smoke as usual, not that is of much importance to you.
24 posted on 04/16/2004 5:47:46 AM PDT by m4629
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To: m4629
I suggest you check the facts instead of throwing smoke as usual, not that is of much importance to you.

What "facts"? Aretakis is a smear artist.

What do you think of this latest mental refugee Aretakis trotted out? What is a "$6,000 exorcism of my body", anyway?

25 posted on 04/16/2004 5:51:08 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: Unam Sanctam
Uhhhh....'what's wrong with these guys?'

Same as 'what's wrong with X42.' Note that Clinton's very own assistant Attorney General is on the Commission.

This is the babe who wrote a directive severing CIA from FBI investigations.

So TWA 800 and OKC bombings were 'firewalled' at HER instruction.

Largest irony is Mary Jo White, another X42 favorite, now helping Hubbard.

What's wrong with them? A very firm attachment to "this world" and the power/trappings of office.
26 posted on 04/16/2004 5:59:49 AM PDT by ninenot (Minister of Membership, TomasTorquemadaGentlemen'sClub)
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To: St.Chuck
"Smoke of Satan", in it's context, referred to those who questioned the decisions of the papacy.

Really?

27 posted on 04/16/2004 6:02:40 AM PDT by ninenot (Minister of Membership, TomasTorquemadaGentlemen'sClub)
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To: Renlea
Well, Newbie!! You have your opinion. Others have other opinions.

The "smoke" allegory above pertains to Bp. Hubbard--as in, "where there's smoke, there's fire."

H's diocese has been emitting smoke for over 15 years.
28 posted on 04/16/2004 6:05:49 AM PDT by ninenot (Minister of Membership, TomasTorquemadaGentlemen'sClub)
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To: sinkspur; m4629
Regardless, the lawsuits were NOT dismissed on evidentiary basis--they were dismissed on SOL basis.

Big difference.
29 posted on 04/16/2004 6:09:13 AM PDT by ninenot (Minister of Membership, TomasTorquemadaGentlemen'sClub)
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To: ninenot
Regardless, the lawsuits were NOT dismissed on evidentiary basis--they were dismissed on SOL basis.

They should never have been brought, in the first place.

The fact he brought three of them is the reason he's up on ethics charges before the New York bar.

30 posted on 04/16/2004 6:11:29 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: sinkspur; NYer; Polycarp IV; ninenot
Didn't I tell you to check the FACTS before you open your mouth?

This your so called latest case of David Leonard to the link cited above is dated 5/19/2003 10:28 PM. Can you count back to last year ???

Aaaaaawwwwwwwwww, poor sinky did NOT check the FACTS as warned, again.

You never failed to make a fool of yourself even with advance warning, sinky. That's pathetic.

Besides, neither you nor I have much information on this so it's best to stay silent if you don't want to embarrass yourself further.

31 posted on 04/16/2004 6:11:35 AM PDT by m4629
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To: m4629
I checked the facts. The same article you linked to is posted in #9 above.

What is a "$6,000 exorcism on my body"?

Leonard claims the alleged exorcism in Little Falls, New York led to several stays in a mental hospital, depression and attempted suicide.

Is it beyond the realm of possibility that Leonard's mental illness preceded his bizarre claim of exorcism?

I can see why you don't want to discuss this latest "witness." He is exactly like the rest of Aretakis' stable of "witnesses": his claims are bizarre and unsubstantiated by any facts.

32 posted on 04/16/2004 6:18:17 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: sinkspur; ninenot; NYer
I checked the facts. The same article you linked to is posted in #9 above.

You are dilarious sinky.

Just tell us what the DATE is on that report. Is it not dated 2003? So this is "the latest" ????? This info had been posted previously also but there isn't much info so nobody talked about it. Either way it does NOT help restore YOUR credibility.

As usual, you can't deal with simple truth so I really don't take you seriously.

33 posted on 04/16/2004 6:26:41 AM PDT by m4629
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To: m4629; ninenot
What would prompt a fairly orthodox priest to commit suicide?! Fr. Minkler attended a retreat that week, he was in good spirits ... until he heard the message from Fr. Doyle on his answering machine. This is the hardest issue of all to deal with. For Fr. Minkler to jeopardize his eternal soul, rather than face Bishop Hubbard on Monday morning.
34 posted on 04/16/2004 6:38:27 AM PDT by NYer (O Promise of God from age to age. O Flower of the Gospel!)
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To: m4629
Just tell us what the DATE is on that report. Is it not dated 2003? So this is "the latest" ????? This info had been posted previously also but there isn't much info so nobody talked about it. Either way it does NOT help restore YOUR credibility.

The latest "info" is contained in the article at the top of this thread.

It leaves out the nutty "$6,000 exorcism on my body," and the fact that Leonard was in a mental institution and tried to commit suicide.

You say there's no "info," but there is. In fact, the info that is available discredits Mr. Leonard, totally.

My credibility is not the issue here. The credibility of anyone who continues to tie themselves to John Aretakis is, however.

35 posted on 04/16/2004 6:41:06 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: sinkspur; NYer; ninenot
Just tell us what the DATE is on that report. Is it not dated 2003? So this is "the latest" ????? This info had been posted previously also but there isn't much info so nobody talked about it. Either way it does NOT help restore YOUR credibility.

sinky ..... You say there's no "info," but there is.

Ah, the same ole trick of Misquoting me again, sinky.

Can't you surprise us once in a while and be honest? Or at least give me credit for knowing precisely what I put down without you polluting it.

Bottom line sinky, it is about YOU, and YOUR lack of credibility. As they say, a meaningful and Honest dialogue could only happen if the other side is also Honest. That is NOT the case with you, I'm afraid.

36 posted on 04/16/2004 6:51:15 AM PDT by m4629
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To: sidewalk
"I have been told by people who are aware of the letter. That it does address Bishop Hubbard's homosexuality and the rampant homosexuality and sexual misconduct of many Albany Diocesan priests, including Bishop Hubbard," Aretakis said.

Oh, brother. Aretakis sounds like a fruit loop -- he clearly has not read the letter himself, and there's no way to know whether those who are "aware" of it have read it, either. He's basically spreading rumors, and not much more.

No matter what the actual merits of the case may be, I wouldn't want to have this Aretakis guy representing me.

37 posted on 04/16/2004 6:51:28 AM PDT by r9etb
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To: m4629
LOL!! You and the nutcase Leonard ought to get a room.

BTW, what is the definition of "dilarious"? I couldn't find it in my dictionary. And what is a $6,000 exorcism of my body"?

38 posted on 04/16/2004 6:54:07 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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To: sinkspur
Remember Jack Thompson? Doesn't this Aretakis fellow remind you of him?
39 posted on 04/16/2004 6:56:52 AM PDT by r9etb
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To: r9etb
Oh, brother. Aretakis sounds like a fruit loop -- he clearly has not read the letter himself, and there's no way to know whether those who are "aware" of it have read it, either. He's basically spreading rumors, and not much more.

Of course. And the dirty little secret is that Minkler's sister, who not only saw the suicide letter but likely has it, could release its contents to the press at any time.

Since this case has been classified as a suicide, by the coroner, there is no criminal investigation and no reason why the contents of the note could not be released.

If it is so incriminating, why hasn't she given it to Aretakis?

40 posted on 04/16/2004 6:57:14 AM PDT by sinkspur (Adopt a dog or a cat from an animal shelter! It will save one life, and may save two.)
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