Parishioners Discuss Priest Controversy, by Jay Warren, WCPO, March 31, 2008

Parishioners Discuss Priest Controversy

By Jay Warren
WCPO
March 31, 2008

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8fd697a0-8646-4e1b-9b67-114f2e6eff1c

A controversy has started in a local church as the Cincinnati Archdiocese is considering reinstating a priest who was accused of sexual misconduct.

Release: SNAP Comments On Father Kiffmeyer Controversy (21.5KB)

On Sunday, parishioners at the Holy Family Church in Price Hill got the chance to voice their opinions about Father James Kiffmeyer.

Kiffmeyer was accused of sexual misconduct after two 18-years-old male students at Fenwick High School claimed the the priest had sexually assaulted them. Both allegations claimed alcohol was involved.

A lawsuit was never filed over those charges, but Father Kiffmeyer did settle with one of his accusers. He eventually has his power as a priest removed as a result of the allegations.

Holy Family Church

Now some victims groups say Father Kiffmeyer should be placed in a position where he could serve without being near children.

Members of Voice Of The Faithful, a watchdog group, prayed outside Holy Family Church while inside parishioners were discussing whether Father James Kiffmeyer should be their priest.

But not all of the parishioners are in agreement about what should be done with Father Kiffmeyer.

"I feel that the allegations are between God and him. I am not his judge," said Holy Family Parishioner Lois Macke about her feelings towards Father Kiffmeyer.

Holy Family Church In Price Hill

"I myself am for Father Kiffmeyer. He grew up in the parish. He knows the spirit of the parish and he's dedicated to that growth of the spirit," added Macke.

Due to a five year statute of limitations in church law, Father Kiffmeyer was able to appeal Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk's decision to remove his priestly authority. The Vatican sided with Father Kiffmeyer.

Now the Archdiocese wants the opinions of the parish before making Father Kiffmeyer their priest.

Father James Kiffmeyer

Christi Eisenberg is a member of Voice Of The Faithful. "That in and of itself is a huge change on the part of the Catholic Church and it is something we're very grateful for," she said of the church's decision to involve the parishioners.

Groups like Victim's Advocates, who are opposed to the potential appointment, say that, given the allegations, Father Kiffmeyer should not be allowed to work near children.

"We need to be careful that there are plenty of other places where this priest can serve and we just need to make those sound decisions that say there might be a problem let's not invite any more problems," said Executive Director of Connections Rebecca Born.

Parishioners Discuss Priest Controversy

Over the next few days, the parish council will submit a recommendation to the Archdiocese. A decision on the future appointment of Father Kiffmeyer would come a few weeks after that.