By Gary Stern
Journal News [New York]
October 24, 2006
http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061024/NEWS05/610240351/1028/NEWS12
Cardinal Edward Egan, in a letter sent to the priests of New York, appears to blame the recent anonymous criticism of his leadership on dissatisfaction with his handling of sex-abuse cases involving priests.
In the letter, dated Oct. 20, Egan writes that stories "told by priests who have been found guilty of sexually abusing minors" were related to a recent, anonymous letter attacking his leadership.
"Many claim that they have been the victim of unjust treatment, deception and lack of understanding," Egan's letter reads. "Unfortunately, no one challenges what they have to say. And the reason is clear: the Archdiocese has always been careful to respect their privacy."
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| Cardinal Edward Egan's letter. |
Copies of the letter, received by most priests yesterday, were provided to The Journal News/LoHud.com.
The letter attacking Egan, attributed to "A Committee of Concerned Clergy for the Archdiocese of New York," did not mention Egan's handling of sex-abuse cases. It blamed the cardinal for poor morale among priests and called for priests to take votes of "no confidence" in Egan's leadership.
Joseph Zwilling, Egan's spokesman, said last night that several individuals who have commented in the media on the anonymous letter have also criticized Egan's treatment of priests accused of abusing minors.
"That has been the focus of what people have been saying, on the record or anonymously, that (sex-abuse) has been mishandled," Zwilling said.
In 2004, about 75 New York priests signed a letter that criticized a lack of due process for priests accused of sexual abuse.
Egan's letter to priests twice cites Monsignor Howard Calkins, the vicar of Westchester County's Sound Shore region, for supporting the criticisms of the anonymous letter in media interviews. Calkins, the well-liked pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Mount Vernon, apologized to Egan in a letter and offered his resignation as vicar.
"This situation cannot be allowed to continue, as the recent episode of the anonymous letter, the declarations of Monsignor Calkins, and other negative statements to the media have amply proved," Egan wrote. "Thus it is that I believe we need to address this matter head on. We cannot be left open to all manner of lies, leading to all manner of scandal and damage to the Archdiocese and the Archbishop from people who refuse to take responsibility for their actions."
Calkins could not be reached for comment last night.
Egan held a two-hour meeting with the Priests Council of the archdiocese last week to discuss the anonymous attack against him. When it was over, the council released a statement condemning the anonymous letter "as a grave disservice to the entire Church" and supporting Egan's ministry.
In his letter to priests, Egan described a process for investigating a priest who has been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor but is "reported to be speaking untruthfully about the matter." Such a priest would be invited to correct his statements in a public letter, Egan writes. If he refuses, he would be given the chance to appear before a panel of priests, which would issue a report.
"The faithful will then be informed of what has happened and the road to savaging the Archdiocese and its Archbishop with falsehoods about cases regarding the sexual abuse of minors will be definitively closed," he wrote.
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