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	Church Tries to Clear Air on Priest's Dismissal By Cindy E. Harnett Times Colonist September 21, 2007 http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/story.html?id= cf6a41c4-f679-47f2-b205-817e9882d002&k=64677 The woman whose accusation of sexual misconduct brought down a beloved St. Saviour's priest and rocked the foundation of the church in is a "brave" soul, said the Ven. Bruce Bryant-Scott today. An admission of sexual misconduct by Rev. Antonio Osorio, who was suspended Sept. 5 and resigned Sept. 12, is being investigated by Victoria police. It is also being investigated by the diocese- for what could be another few weeks - as a breach of canon law, but not of criminal or civil law. Bryant-Scott, spokesman for the Anglican Diocese of B.C., told a press conference here that he and others were initially lied to by Osorio. Asked about the "victim," Bryant-Scott said all too often those who come forward are abandoned. "They are brave," he said. "Blame the victim is an old ritual." Bryant-Scott said he imagines it was not easy for the adult woman, who has not been identified, to write a complaint about someone she once respected and who so many others "respected and loved." The church wants to ensure the "victim doesn't get victimized anymore," he said. The church has procedures for dealing with three types of sexual misconduct - sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. Osorio's actions are described as sexual exploitation, which is defined by the diocese as any form of sexual contact with an adult by a professional person, cleric or anyone in a position of authority, trust or power. "Antonio knew the consequences of his actions," Bryant-Scott said. If the priest wants to be re-instated, it would be a "real challenge" that would take several years at least, he said. "Genuine repentance"would be required, Bryant-Scott said. He would not be allowed to work at St. Saviour's again. Meanwhile Ronald Jeffries, formerly on the parish executive, resigned last week and said today he doesn't believe he'll return to the Anglican church. Osorio should not have been treated as "disposable" by the diocese, he said, as he admited to sexual misconduct and taken responsibility for his actions. Jeffries said Osorio worked tirelessly to build programs to feed the hungry, find shelter for the homeless and comfort those in distress. As a result of the challenges created by Osorio's resignation and the scandal, the parish council decided to close indefinitely the Rainbow Kitchen, which provides lunch to those in need three times a week. A night shelter for Victoria's homeless will also be closed. On Thursday about 24 volunteers interested in the Rainbow Kitchen met and formed a committee to talk with other groups providing services to single parents and people who are homeless, mentally ill, addicted, or poor. A report will be presented to St. Saviour's Parish Council, said Rev. David Opheim, St. Saviour's interim priest. "This committee, in conversation with these other organizations, will ensure that the services provided at the Rainbow Kitchen will complement and not duplicate other existing programs," Opheim said. Both the lunch program and the cold-weather shelter will remain suspended this winter, he said. St. Saviour's is managing one bank account for the Rainbow Kitchen with a balance of approximately $49,000 and a second account designated for the homeless, containing $41,000. The church will talk with the diocese to determine how best to manage the funds, Opheim said. Meanwhile, Welcome House, for at-risk refugee and immigrant women and their children, which was being established by Osorio, a Colombian refugee, will continue. On Friday the diocese announced that the Very Rev. Logan McMenamie, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, will take on the role of chairman of the board of directors for Welcome House Refugee Society "The Welcome House is a viable project that stands on its own ... and much needed not only in the diocese but in our community as well," McMenamie said in a news release. ceharnett@tc.canwest.com
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