Accused Kentucky Bishop Resigns

AP | 6/11/02 | AP

[bloggerjohn]

I get tired of people in power always whining any attack is a "witch hunt."

Sometimes there really is a witch.

[ArrogantBustard]

ROFL! on a slightly more serious note, perhaps we should draw our inspiration from the old Dominican (see #7) in our efforts to give the queers the bum's rush.

[anniegetyourgun]

Sorry, I get lazy sometimes.

[eastsider]

Here's the text of the Press Release from the Diocese of Lexington:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2002

Statement of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lexington, KY Pope John Paul II Accepts the Resignation of Bishop J. Kendrick Williams

Lexington. Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop J. Kendrick Williams, the first Bishop of Lexington. The announcement was made today in the Vatican City.

Bishop Williams had submitted his resignation to the Holy Father through the papal nuncio, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, the pope's representative to the United States, May 31. The papal nuncio is the pope's administrative and diplomatic representative to the U.S.

"I do not want my resignation to give any credence to the allegations made against me. I offered my resignation to the Holy Father, stating that I believe that by my stepping down, the diocese can rid itself of the cloud which hangs over it and me at this time," Bishop Williams said.

"I agonize that while this process continues, the diocese suffers without a leader. Since no one knows how long this will last, I believe it is best for me to step down, so a new bishop can be appointed as soon as possible. The Holy Father concurs, and my resignation is effective today. This will allow him to begin the process to appoint a new bishop," he said.

"My love for this diocese is absolute; I would lay down my life for it. A founding bishop of a diocese forms a bond with the newly formed diocese. During the 14 years of our life together, I feel that this bond has grown—even in times of pain and disappointment. My theme has been that of building a family together. I know we have accomplished this, and our success rests upon you, the people of this diocese. We have much for which to rejoice.

"It has been my extreme joy and privilege to serve as your bishop," Bishop Williams said. He encouraged the people of the diocese to welcome a new bishop "with open arms, as a successor to the apostles. Be gentle with him and love him as you love me. Is this not the course charted for us by Jesus himself?"

A standing body of priests of the diocese, known as the "College of Consultors," will now convene to elect an "administrator." The priest elected as administrator will have the obligation and the powers of a diocesan bishop. However, this function is provisional in nature, and it is the administrator's charge to maintain the status quo of the diocese, until a new bishop assumes his episcopal duties.

"I do not want my resignation to give any credence to the allegations made against me."