[Brian Kopp DPM]

You may want to continue the discussion on this caucus format thread.

Please note that the premise of the original blog article is primarily based on a thread I posted on a Catholic forum (second link in blog post above) describing a long history of problems in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.

As a result of the efforts to clean up this diocese, I have personally been threatened with being sued, and was stalked by a known homosexual priest for a brief time. This is something I never even told my wife and children about.

As a result of this experience, I feel I am uniquely qualified to comment on the situation in this diocese, despite other opinions that have been voiced recently.

Bishop elect Bartchak has a good track record on the issues that precipitated this blog posting. He has served as a canon lawyer in at least one case where a priest was credibly accused of viewing homopederast internet porn, working for the side of the religious superior seeking the removal of said priest.

This is exactly the kind of man we need in a diocese with a history of well documented similar problems.

[Kenny Bunk]

As His Excellency departs, I think it only fitting that he be commended for reviving the quaint practice of "Simony.". It's not often that we can point out to today's catechism students a modern example of this once popular medieval practice.

In the good man's defense, may I be permitted to point out that he did not, NOT, sell indulgences? Also note that during his long and lugubrious tenure, at least there was no, repeat NO repeat, of the Johnstown Flood.

Where will the good bishop retire? One of those priestly rehab centers that are discretely hidden in the Arizona Desert? Permit me to recommend one of those monasteries in the remote and wild Abruzzi where Popes have been sending those best hidden for 2000 years.

[Salvation]

So happy for all of you in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

God bless you all!

[johngrace]

Hi Doc-Thanks for posting!

[Cicero]

Thanks. I figured that this would be an improvement, and I’m glad to hear it confirmed.

Catholics should show respect for their bishops, and obey them as long as they don’t teach or command anything contrary to the faith. It can certainly be difficult if one has the bad luck to be in the diocese of a questionable bishop.

Still, I think it’s only right that faithful Catholics should speak out, with appropriate care, rather than just sit back and stay quiet if it is evident that the bishop is off the rails and damaging the souls in his care.