ABC 15
November 23, 2007
http://www.abc15.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8fa87b58-0adb-4401-8771-ba851322be66
He was one of the most charismatic, charming, and popular priests in the Valley, but Monsignor Dale Fushek's career as a priest took a tumble following his arrest on several charges connected to sex abuse crimes with minors.
That was in 2005 when he was serving at St. Timothy's Parish in Mesa.
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Since then, the Diocese has placed him on administrative leave and he is now awaiting trial.
Three years later and Monsignor Fushek is once again giving sermons.
This time it is through his so-called Prayer and Worship Center. His first service was on Thanksgiving morning at the Marriott in Mesa.
More than 500 of his followers attended.
One of them was Elizabeth Culverson.
She believes Fushek was falsely accused and continues to support him.
She said he is a Godly man in a profession he was called to.
She said Thursday's service was packed, standing room only, and people were very happy to finally see, hear and learn from their beloved Pastor.
According to Culverson, Fushek made it clear that what he was conducting was a worship service not a substitute for church service.
He says it is independent from St. Timothy and the Catholic Church.
The next service is scheduled for December 23rd at the Mesa Convention Center.
Meantime, Jim Dwier, a spokesperson for the Diocese, told ABC15 as far as they are concerned, Fushek is on administrative leave and the services he conducted on Thanksgiving day are not a substitute for a Catholic service.
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