BishopAccountability.org
	Ex-Priest's Actions Wrong on All Levels The Citizen August 23, 2007 http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2007/08/23/news/opinion/our_view/ourview01.txt New York — It's true that the news media gives extra attention to child sex abuse cases involving clergy, educators, coaches or other people who play a guiding role in young people's lives. There's good reason for it. These people carry a tremendous responsibility - shaping young lives - that requires the trust and support of parents. When details emerge about the betrayal of that trust, it can cause widespread hurt. With that reality in mind, we have no choice but to express our contempt for the public reaction of J. Edward Putnam to the story that broke about his suspension by the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York. He's been barred from acting as a priest for 20 years. Putnam admitted to "inappropriate conduct with minors" while he was a minister as St. James' Episcopal Church in Skaneateles. But following the emergence of the story in the media earlier this month, Putnam issued a statement that attempted to downplay the situation. He certainly has a right to explain himself, but he failed miserably in his attempt. Putnam said the incidents of inappropriate conduct were part of a confirmation program in 1992 designed to allow the participants "freedom of expression about their changing spiritual, social, family and personal growth. ... By 2007 standards, my engagement in these sessions is seen as falling within the lower end of a wide range of sexual misconduct." Putnam went on to say his intentions were good, though his choices were not. And he said he agreed to the suspension to avoid an ecclesiastical trial. Though we don't know the exact details of what took place, it's clear Putnam crossed the line. And when it comes to sexual misconduct involving children, we have no empathy for perpetrators no matter how far over that line they went.
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