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	Bishop of Las Vegas Catholic Diocese Speaks out on Recent Controversy KVBC [Las Vegas NV] February 14, 2007 http://www.kvbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6083618&nav=15MV The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas is speaking out about the latest scandals within the Catholic Church, including the one involving Father George Chaanine. On Tuesday, Father Chaanine faced a Las Vegas judge for the first time. He was caught in the Phoenix area after being on the run for almost a week. Bishop Joseph Pepe is asking parishioners to keep their faith in the church. It's certainly been a difficult time for the Catholic Church. Bishop Pepe says like in any large organization, there are going to be a few people who will act irresponsibly, but the Catholic Church is doing its best to address the problems. "There are 600,000 Catholics in southern Nevada. These days, their faith in the Catholic Church is being tested," said Pepe. Father Chaanine, who had been a priest at Our Lady of Las Vegas church is in jail. He's accused of trying to kill choir singer Michealina Bellamy. "We've certainly have outreached to her and (are) telling her that we're interested in her and finding out whatever she needs." Bishop Pepe oversees the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas. He's been having to oversee damage control as well. In a separate scandal, another local priest is off the job. Father William Kenny has been relieved of his day to day duties at Christ the King Catholic Community Church. He's accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly church member. "They are still priests, but they are being relieved of their active role in the ministry at this time, so that we can get an idea what the issues are and how to resolve them," Pepe told News 3. The bishop is reminding parishioners and others to look at the whole picture and keep the faith. There are 29 Catholic churches and 72 priests in southern Nevada. The church as a whole helps feed 2,000 people every week and it helps hundreds of others find housing and jobs. "We have to remember that there are all these other people that are doing a great job and if we just focus on those that are irresponsible then we lose the whole understanding of the institution of what it means to us." The bishop says he has not personally talked to Father George Chaanine since the alleged assault, but he says he plans to meet with Chaanine in the near future. The bishop also told News 3 the Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas has offered to hire an attorney for Father George Chaanine, but at this point Chaanine has not requested a lawyer from the church.
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