BishopAccountability.org
	Jack Palmer - Local Priest Merits Support of Community By Jack Palmer Crescent-News April 20, 2008 http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/3661472 Four weeks ago this newspaper ran a color photo of Father Tim Kummerer carrying a wooden cross during the annual community "Outdoor Stations of the Cross" event on Good Friday. This weekend he is carrying another cross. With many half-truths and rumors swirling around the area, the public has a right to know the facts about the St. Mary Catholic parish pastor. During the summer of 1998, Kummerer was arrested at a county park south of Fremont for public indecency, a misdemeanor. We really don't know more specifics of the allegations, since the court records were sealed. What is known is that he was never convicted. He didn't plead guilty or no contest. He was never found guilty by a judge. The charges were dismissed after he completed a diversion program, which allows persons charged with minor offenses to bypass prosecution by completing various requirements. Typically these requirements include education aimed at preventing similar conduct and avoiding certain situations or locations for a specific period of time. The failure to meet the requirements of a diversion program generally results in the case being fully prosecuted. In Kummerer's case, that didn't happen because he successfully completed the program. The Diocese of Toledo office said Friday it has no plans to discipline Kummerer for his arrest a decade ago, noting that he complied with the diversion program. End of story. The information about Kummerer's arrest came to light a few days ago as part of an investigation by a Toledo television station into the past criminal record of Maumee priest Frank Murd. Murd is currently under investigation for the alleged improper touching of an adult male (a felony) in a community center hot tub last month. The Murd and Kummerer cases are unrelated and entirely different. Murd has already resigned as a pastor and is presently in a residential treatment facility. A native of Tiffin, Kummerer has been a beacon of light and beloved spiritual leader since becoming St. Mary pastor in late 1999. I first heard him preach at a funeral for a young child shortly after he came to Defiance. This was a very difficult and painful funeral, but Kummerer's words of comfort and hope that day were wonderful. Since then, he has gained a reputation as a powerful preacher, knowledgeable teacher and gentle lead sheep dog to his flock. His ministry around the community has been equally impressive. He has been a champion of many ecumenical causes and events, most recently the Darfur awareness program held at St. John United Church of Christ. He worked behind the scenes for several months in lending a sympathetic and caring ear to the people of the former St. Mary parish in Junction, whose church doors were shut last July. Given all of this, it came as no surprise that Kummerer received overwhelming support at Saturday's 4:30 p.m. Mass. He began the service by recognizing the 175th anniversary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Everyone applauded. Immediately thereafter, a parishioner shouted out support for Kummerer. This drew an even longer and more hearty applause from virtually every soul in the packed church. The priest was overtaken with emotion. "Thank you for your kindness," he said softly. During his homily, Kummerer made reference to his personal situation in re-visiting an earlier scripture reading from John's gospel: "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me." He confessed to having a troubled heart the past couple of days. "If your heart has been troubled for me -- or by me -- let me offer you these words: Have faith in God and His Son, Jesus." As he greeted people after the service, Kummerer received many hugs and encouraging words. The community should embrace him as well.
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