BishopAccountability.org
	Coalition Suggests Brooklyn Catholics Withhold Money until Bishop Shows up to Care for Them National Survivor Advocates Coalition January 28, 2010 http://www.nsacoalition.org/2010/01/28/coalition-suggests-brooklyn-catholics-withhold-money-until-bishop-shows-up-to-care-for-them/ NEW YORK -- The National Survivor Advocates Coalition (NSAC) expressed both dismay and wonderment at the news that Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sent a surrogate to the people of Our Lady of Queen of Martyrs Parish on Sunday to tell them that their pastor, Monsignor Michael Dempsey, had been placed on administrative leave because of an investigation by federal authorities for violation of Internet child pornography laws. The coalition said it was dismayed that a spiritual leader would resort to a letter read to parishioners at Sunday liturgies on a matter as significant as this and wonderment that any bishop who declares he is concerned about the issues of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth still does not feel compelled to be with his people as their spiritual leader in a time of crisis. Words are poor subsitutes for presence in any crisis, the coalition said. Bishop DiMarzio, the coalition noted, had no hesitation when he entered into people's homes via robocalls in the recent election in praise of Assemblyman Vito Lopez who worked against statute of limitation reform for victims of sexual abuse. As direct a contact as he could get with all registered voters of the Assemblyman's district seemed a good idea to the bishop. Maybe the bishop could at least have robocalled the parishioners who were dealing with such a heavy blow. His announcement of the removal of the pastor quotes him as saying to his people, "You are undoubtedly aware of the deep suffering and hurt that surround any mater of child abuse, especially when the allegations involve a member of the clergy. It can damage, often irreparably the innocence, trust and reputations of all who are who are in any way affected by it." The people of the parish, the coalition said, are "undoubtedly aware" we just wonder if Bishop DiMarzio is since actions undoubtedly speak louder than words. Bishop DiMarzio's statement says ,"The steps we have taken are essential to maintaining our commitment to the bishops' Charter and Norms." Wouldn't be wonderful if Bishop DiMarzio had a full court press, flat out, no holds barred committement to the protection of children instead of to a document that has proven its weakness over and over again since 2002. We suggest the people of the parish withhold their money until they see their bishop in their parish. Perhaps, that particular kind of absence will make the bishop's heart grow fonder. Link to Bishop DiMarzio's statement:http://dioceseofbrooklyn.org/default_article.aspx?id=4534
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