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	House Leader Calls Bishop 'Pedophile Pimp' WMUR April 1, 2011 http://www.wmur.com/politics/27400337/detail.html [with video] CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire House majority leader said he stands by his Facebook post referring to Catholic Bishop John McCormack as a "pedophile pimp." McCormack spoke at a Statehouse rally Thursday, criticizing budget cuts. "We urge the legislature and the governor to place the poor, the unemployed, and our most vulnerable citizens first," he said. On Friday morning, D.J. Bettencourt, a Catholic, responded on his Facebook page. "Bishop John McCormick (sic) of the Catholic Diocese of NH told the crowd, 'It's a moral concern (because) the vulnerable take priority in our society.' Would the Bishop like to discuss his history of protecting the 'vulnerable'? This man is a pedophile pimp who should have been led away from the State House in handcuffs with a rain coat over his head in disgrace. He has absolutely no moral credibility to lecture anyone," the post said. McCormack was previously a top aide to Cardinal Bernard Law and faced pressure to resign over his handling of sexually abusive priests in Boston. He was cleared of criminal charges in Massachusetts, and he settled lawsuits with more than 160 victims who were sexually abused by New Hampshire priests. "Well, I think Rep. Bettencourt's choice of words were unfortunate. I think a lot of us share the concern he has with the historical role of the bishop, but none of us can take a look at those words and say these were words that should've been chosen," said House Speaker Rep. William O'Brien. Bettencourt said he stands by what he said. "Yes, my language was colorful but I stand by the sentiment in describing a man who has in my opinion brought shame and dishonor on my church here in New Hampshire," he said in a statement. "As a practicing Catholic, it is truly disappointing that we would have a leader with a record of enabling such egregious and unacceptable behavior. From my perspective, it will be a great day for New Hampshire Catholics when Bishop McCormack retires and we can bring new leadership to the church that is untainted by the abuses of our current bishop. He stepped on to secular soil yesterday and he should not be above being called out on the merits of his words and actions," he said. A few hours after Bettencourt posted the comment on Facebook, the Diocese responded. "That statement is clearly false, defamatory and detracts from the real issue," said a statement from Manchester Diocese spokesman Kevin Donovan. "Bishop McCormack's message to the people of New Hampshire yesterday was the simple message of the gospel. The church and our broader society have a fundamental obligation to care for the poor. The bishop's message is a challenge to ourselves and our elected officials to never waver in our obligation to care for the most vulnerable of society. " Manchester Alderman Garth Corriveau, a Catholic and Democrat, said he believed the majority leader crossed the line. "Rep. Bettencourt needs to resign. His comments were unfounded. To attack clergy -- there's no place in politics for that," Corriveau said. Carolyn Disco with the New Hampshire Voice of the Faithful said the majority leader's name-calling wasn't helpful, but she believed the issue he raised was a legitimate one. "And that is the lack of credibility of Bishop John McCormack's voice in the state," Disco said. She said if McCormack cared about social justice, he would call for lifting the statute of limitations on crimes committed by abusive priests. "That provides real healing and an opportunity for justice for those deprived through the church's efforts to keep everything secret," Disco said. New Hampshire GOP chairman Jack Kimball said he planned to speak with Bettencourt about his choice of words. "Certainly, I just don't share those sentiments. As time progresses, I'll get into some conversations, and that will be it," Kimball said.
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