October 06, 2005

Archbishop says priest's removal was not related to his views

LYNN (MA)
Boston.com

October 5, 2005

LYNN, Mass. --Boston Archbishop Sean O'Malley denied Wednesday that the recent forced resignation of a Newton priest was related to his outspoken views that sometimes clashed with the church's positions.

The archdiocese said last week that the Rev. Walter Cuenin was being asked to step down as pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians for improperly accepting financial benefits from his parish that violated archdiocesan policies.

Cuenin's supporters have claimed he was being punished for criticizing former Archbishop Cardinal Bernard Law's handling of the clergy sex abuse crisis, and for questioning some church teachings on gays and the ordination of women.

"That is not true," O'Malley said Wednesday in response to reporters' questions when he dedicated

Posted by kshaw at October 6, 2005 10:16 AM