BishopAccountability.org
	Former Teacher Suing Diocese over Firing NBC 2 June 23, 2011 http://www.abc-7.com/Global/story.asp?S=14966551 [with video] FORT MYERS - A Southwest Florida Catholic school teacher filed suit this week against the Diocese of Venice. The lawsuit claims it fired him for reporting a priest to the state for allegedly asking girls sexual questions during confession. NBC2 Investigator Andy Pierrotti sat down with the teacher and the diocese about the claims. Catholics who come to confession believe a priest can provide forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation. In April, former Bishop Verot High School teacher Chris Wilson couldn't believe what his students were telling him in class. "She proceeded to tell me that during the reconciliation, there's a priest, a young priest, she identified in the corner, who was asking the girls if they masturbate and if they'd had sex. I was shocked," said Wilson. Wilson says two girls told him Father Corey Mayer pressed them for answers. "Which she responded, 'It's none of his business.' And, he proceeded to say, 'Well, I can't offer you absolution unless you tell me,'" Wilson said. Wilson reported Father Mayer to the Department of Children and Family Services. The state agency didn't pursue an investigation because the complaints did not meet the criteria for abuse. Father Mayer was never arrested, but after calling DCF, Wilson was fired. This week he filed suit against the diocese for wrongful termination. The diocese says his dismissal had nothing to do with reporting the claims; rather it involved a history of disciplinary issues. The diocese wouldn't disclose what those issues were. "We don't release information on personnel and specific reasons like that," said diocese spokesperson Billy Atwell. Atwell says confessions are confidential, and the diocese didn't contact parents because they felt the priest's sexually-related questions were appropriate. "It's a Catholic school, and as a Catholic institution, it's responsible to uphold the scripture and the moral life - which is sexuality," said Atwell. NBC2 talked to a parent of one of the girls, who didn't want to be identified for fear of further embarrassing his daughter. He says he's furious with the school and church for not notifying him immediately. He also tells NBC2 he's nervous about coming forward because he feels the Bishop could retaliate and kick his child out of school.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.