BishopAccountability.org
	Local Catholics React to Faith Being Tested KLAS [Las Vegas NV] February 14, 2007 http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6083111 Local Catholics have experienced plenty lately, including the arrest of Father Chaanine, and another priest at another Catholic Church accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly parishioner. For the first time since Father Chaanine was on the run, and the Reverend William Kenny was removed from his duties, the leader of Catholic Diocese is speaking out. Charlie Gopez goes to church everyday to pray. But in the last few weeks, finger pointing over the recent turmoil in the Catholic Church bothers Gopez. "They generalize it. Oh the Catholic Church, they do this, they do that. In every jungle there's a snake. My faith in the church has always been strong," said Gopez. As emotions run high among many Catholics in Las Vegas, the same is true for the leader of the Catholic Diocese here. Bishop Joseph Pepe talked about the recent events surrounding the Catholic Diocese for the first time Tuesday. His message to those questioning their religion is this. "We feel responsible and saddened by what's happened," said Bishop Pepe. "We sense their situation. But they have to look at the whole picture; it's not enough to look at two individuals or one situation," he said. Bishop Pepe has not spoken to Father Chaanine since his arrest, but says he's forgiven the one time Catholic leader. "We have to, but also understand in his point, we don't know all of the story," he said. Bishop Pepe has no regrets about not addressing the issue sooner. "This is the appropriate time. My efforts have been on meeting parishioners and talking to people directly," he said. Bishop Pepe says the Diocese has tried to be in touch with Father George Chaanine's victim Michaleana Ballamy, but she has not responded to their outreach. Email your comments to Reporter Chris Saldana.
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