NEW YORK
The Journal News
By GARY STERN
gstern@thejournalnews.com
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: May 27, 2005)
Three years after Monsignor Charles Kavanagh was removed from his high-profile ministry, taken down by an accusation of long-ago misconduct, more than 200 supporters came out last night to give him a hug, wish him a happy birthday and remind him that they feel he was hung out to dry.
Kavanagh was the Archdiocese of New York's vicar of development, raising millions of dollars for the church, when he was prohibited from acting as a priest three years ago this week. He was accused by a former seminarian of pursuing a romantic, sexually charged relationship with him two decades before.
Ever since, Kavanagh's supporters have been outraged that he was dismissed with no timetable for a possible appeal or a resolution to his case. In addition to losing his spot as chief fundraiser, he lost his pulpit at St. Raymond's Church in the Bronx.
"As is often said, justice delayed is justice denied," said John Dearie, the former state assemblyman and a close friend of Kavanagh who hosted last night's party. "This man gave 40 years of his life to reaching out, supporting people, so now we want to show our ongoing support for him."
Posted by kshaw at May 27, 2005 01:41 PM