BishopAccountability.org
	Jailed Catholic Priest Enjoying His 'Freedom' Daily Sitka Sentinel March 15, 1991 ANCHORAGE (AP) - An 89- year-old Roman Catholic priest serving 15 days at an Anchorage jail says he feels free as a bird and is enjoying the free bed and meals at the government's expense. The Rev. George Endal began serving his sentence for criminal trespass on Wednesday. He was arrested at an abortion clinic and convicted of a misdemeanor in December. For the first time, Endal conducted religious services as an inmate. But he was not allowed to say Mass, because the service requires wine, and alcohol is strictly forbidden. Endal is serving his sentence at a halfway house, which has locked doors, guards and television monitors - but no bars on the windows. Several anti-abortion groups were to protest Endal's incarceration at the center later today, organizcrs said. "We will demonstrate to say something's wrong with society jailing 89-year-old priests against killing the unborn," said Alaska Right to Life President Ed Wassell. Endal said he has the church's support. "If I didn't have the church's support I wouldn't be doing it," he said. "It is a noble tradition in the history of the church; people have gone to jail for their convictions," said Archbishop Francis Hurley of Anchorage. Endal is a "great example," Hurley said. "He's not too old to speak his piece and act according to his convictions. I think he will be an inspiration to anybody who comes in touch with him in jail." Endal and several others were arrested Sept. 18 when they locked themselves to a 220-pound metal ring inside the Alaska Women's Health Services Inc., clinic. He was convicted by a jury in December and sentenced the same month by state Court of Appeals Judge David Mannheimer. Mannheimer was presiding as a District court judge when he sentenced Endal to 90 days in jail, suspended 75 days, and fined him S250. Endal refused to pay the fine and instead performed 40 hours of community work service. He said he is a retired priest, but is the resident priest at the Anchorage Pioneers Home where he lives. The spry and gentle man, his shoulders slightly stooped, maintains a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. "Going to jail for me is a joyful experience," he said. “I'm learning all kinds of things by going to jail." Endal said he feels no ill will toward anyone, including the judge who sentenced him. But he said the judge and others should resign rather than uphold laws against God's will.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.