Priests Removal Stuns Franklin Church, Harriet Vaughan, The Tennessean, October 23, 2009

Priest's Removal Stuns Franklin Church

By Harriet Vaughan
The Tennessean
October 23, 2009

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091023/COUNTY090101/910230350/Priest+s+removal+stuns+Franklin+church

John Sappenfield.

Cleric admits improper relationship

FRANKLIN — Parishioners of St. Philip Catholic Church in Franklin spent Thursday digesting the news of Tuesday's removal of their well-liked pastor, Father John Sappenfield.

The Diocese of Nashville announced that Sappenfield had admitted to violating the diocese policy against Abuse of a Professional Relationship with a female adult member of the parish.

Diocese director of communications Rick Musacchio would not give details of Sappenfield's conduct beyond the official announcement.

Several parishioners and staff members contacted Thursday were equally reluctant to talk.

Susan Button, whose family has been a member of St. Philip for five years, said the news hit her hard. "He's young and vibrant and the homilies were something even my children would listen to and get something out of," she said. "We are just devastated and worried about him."

The diocese policy defines abuse of a professional relationship as "an act of sexual misconduct between a cleric or a layperson (i.e., a minister, an employee, or an authorized volunteer) and an adult with whom the cleric or layperson has a relationship based on legitimate expectations of spiritual, pastoral, religious, or ministerial assistance. The term also includes the relationship between a church administrator and respective employees and appointees, and this policy statement will be followed when allegations of sexual harassment are brought against the administrator."

The diocese statement said that Sappenfield will not be assigned to pastor any other churches within the diocese.

Sappenfield has been an active priest with the Nashville Diocese for 10 years. Father Marneni Bala Showraiah, associate pastor of the church, will temporarily take over as church administrator.

Button said the parish is close with Showraiah — known as Father Bala — but that didn't make the news about Sappenfield any easier to take.

'We're all human'

"He was a priest and he knew what the rules were. He knew the boundaries but he's a human being and we make mistakes. Even though you're a priest it doesn't mean you're not a man anymore. I think it's just temptation."

Button said that when The Tennessean broke the news Wednesday, word spread quickly. Parishioners were calling and e-mailing each other with mixed emotions.

They will get a chance to talk about it this weekend with Bishop David Choby, who will be present for services on Saturday and Sunday. Musacchio says Choby will be the one to appoint a new pastor.

"As a Christian, it doesn't matter what religion you are. We're all human," Button said. "We're all going to fall short."