NS Catholics Reeling from Child Pornography Charges, CTV, October 4, 2009

N.S. Catholics Reeling from Child Pornography Charges

CTV
October 4, 2009

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091004/catholics_ns_091004/20091004?hub=Canada

[with video]

Archbishop of Halifax Anthony Mancini delivers a sermon at St. Mary's Basilica in Halifax on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.

Catholics in Nova Scotia, from ordinary parishioners right up to the Archbishop of Halifax, were still reeling from the news of child pornography charges laid against a prominent bishop, when they attended Mass today.

The Archbishop of Halifax wrote an emotional letter, in response to the stunning allegations against Bishop Raymond Lahey, that was read in all parishes in his region on Sunday.

"What I want to say is: Enough is enough! How much more can all of us take? Like you, my heart is broken," Archbishop Anthony Mancini wrote of the allegations.

Mancini wrote that he worried that people may lose their faith over the news, but urged parishioners to open their hearts to forgiveness.

"Together, let us face the present crisis; let us find the heart needed to slowly reconstruct our relationships and our capacity to trust and to care," he wrote.

In Antigonish, N.S., hundreds attended Mass at St. Ninian's Cathedral for the first time since they heard of the charges against their former bishop.

Lahey has been charged with possessing and importing child pornography. He is due to appear in court in Ottawa on Nov. 4.

Former Roman Catholic bishop Raymond Lahey arrives at a police station in Ottawa, Thursday, Oct.1, 2009.
Photo by Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS

None of the charges have been proven in court.

Some Catholics told CTV Atlantic that they felt their faith shaken, with one woman saying she shouldn't bring herself to put money in the collection plate.

"I won't give any. I'm just too shaken up," Teresa McCormac said.

Others parishioners criticized the rigid leadership structure of the Roman Catholic Church.

"I think the leadership has to come from the people, because we are the Church and there has to be more decision-making by women and I believe priests should be married," Betty MacDonald said.

Added Hugh Webb: "Until the church modernizes and women can find a little bit more of their place in the church and we get rid of the men's club, I think we're in trouble."

Some parishioners guessed that Mass attendance was down 20 per cent this week in Antigonish. Whether the controversy played a role in the attendance drop, will be seen in the coming weeks.

Lahey stepped down from his position, only a few days before the charges were revealed. Recently, he oversaw a historic $15 million settlement with alleged victims of sexual abuse by priests in the Antigonish diocese.