January 05, 2006

Bishop will meet with parishioners

HUDSON (WI)
KSTP

HUDSON, Wis. (AP) - A bishop has agreed to meet Jan. 15 with parishioners of St. Patrick's Catholic Church to discuss issues involving a former priest who a judge has ruled likely killed two Hudson funeral home workers nearly four years ago.

Some church members have publicly wondered whether the killings could have been prevented had the diocese acted when parishioners complained about the late Rev. Ryan Erickson, who hanged himself about a year ago after being questioned by police in the slayings.

"There is certainly anger, but I am hopeful that we can express the anger in ways that are constructive rather than destructive and helpful rather than hurtful," said the Rev. John Parr, St. Patrick's pastor. "At least that's my prayer."

Posted by kshaw at January 5, 2006 09:05 AM