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	Bishop: Appropriate Steps Taken He Explains Why He Didn't Tell Deltona Parishioners of Abuse Claims about a Priest By Kristen Reed Orlando Sentinel [Orlando FL] January 20, 2007 http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-priest2007jan20,0,7549524.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski on Thursday defended his decision not to tell parishioners that a Deltona priest was removed because of a sex-abuse investigation. The bishop's written statement was a response to a support group for victims of clergy molestation, which said the bishop deceived the public about the Rev. Carlos Bedoya. Bedoya, the pastor at St. Clare Catholic Church, was removed from his post in November. Parishioners were told it was to deal with "personal issues." But diocesan leaders confirmed last week that the reason was an investigation into allegations that Bedoya assisted another man, who performed a sex act on a 35-year-old man against his will. "Based on the information provided to me and the presumption of innocence, I believe that my actions have been appropriate," the bishop wrote to leaders at the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. "I will take future action based on the outcome of law enforcement's investigation and any other factors uncovered." Bedoya has not been arrested or charged, and the State Attorney's Office is reviewing the sexual-battery case. A spokeswoman said prosecutors need to speak to more people and continue investigating before a decision is made about charges. SNAP executive director David Clohessy said Friday that the bishop's letter did not address his group's issues. In addition to seeking an apology, they asked the bishop to aggressively seek more information from parishioners about the incident and whether there are more victims. "It's what you would expect a king or lord or monarch to do: continue to deny wrongdoing simply because he can," Clohessy said. "It's precisely the evasive and self-serving arrogant tone that has contributed to this crisis for decades." Wenski wrote that the diocese offered counseling and assistance to the alleged victim and has cooperated with law enforcement. He did not address any specifics of the incident, instead writing about the diocesan policies dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct. Last week, the chancellor said the alleged victim came forward to church officials but would not say whether it was before or after he told sheriff's investigators on Oct. 17. Wenski was out of town Friday and could not be reached. His spokeswoman said the diocese had no further comment. "We now await the work of law enforcement and the State Attorney's Office," Carol Brinati wrote in an e-mail. Kristen Reed can be reached at kreed@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7924.
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