By John-Henry Westen
Lifesite
September 30, 2009
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09093012.html
ANTIGONISH, NS, (LifeSiteNews.com) - Ottawa police investigators charged Antigonish Bishop Raymond J. Lahey with Possession of Child Pornography and Importation of Child Pornography on Friday September 25. Police announced the charge today. On Saturday, September 26 the Vatican announced that Pope Benedict XVI had accepted Bishop Lahey's resignation "in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law."
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Can. 401 §2 states: "A diocesan bishop who has become less able to fulfill his office because of ill health or some other grave cause is earnestly requested to present his resignation from office."
In a September 26 letter to clergy, religious and parishioners, Bishop Lahey wrote: "I want to let you know that after much thought and careful consideration, I decided to submit to the Holy Father my resignation as Bishop for personal reasons." He added that although he'd like to give a personal farewell to many, he had "already left the Diocese to take some much-needed time for personal renewal."
Halifax Archbishop Anthony Mancini has been appointed as Apostolic Administrator for the diocese of Antigonish "for a time of transition" as he explained in a letter.
Ottawa police explained that Bishop Lahey "was attempting to re-enter Canada at the Ottawa International Airport in Ottawa on September 15, 2009, when he was referred for a secondary examination. During the examination, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Officers found images on his laptop computer that were of concern. The computer and other media devices were seized by CBSA."
The Bishop was then released pending further investigation. According to police, "The forensic examination of the computer and media later revealed Child Pornography."
A warrant has been issued for Bishop Lahey's arrest.
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