BishopAccountability.org
	Region Will Lose Vital Leader When Chaput Leaves The Coloradoan July 20, 2011 http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110720/OPINION01/107200308 Northern Colorado is losing an important spiritual voice as Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver moves to Pennsylvania to lead the troubled Philadelphia archdiocese. Chaput has been an outspoken voice on a number of issues that he sees as central to the Catholic Church's mission - abortion, immigration and social justice, among others. In speaking out, he has at various times angered partisans on both the left and the right of the political spectrum. But Chaput knows that criticism comes with the territory, and he has never shied away from speaking out on behalf of those he saw as disenfranchised or otherwise unable to speak for themselves. Above all, Chaput has been an important spiritual leader for Roman Catholics in the Denver archdiocese, which includes Larimer County. "As a Catholic father who has raised three kids and has two more at home, his leadership has been enormously valuable in my home," said former U.S. Rep. Bob Schaeffer of Fort Collins. Chaput, 66, has led the Denver archdiocese for 14 years. He is widely recognized as a leader of theologically conservative Catholics. His replacement in Denver hasn't been named. In heading to Philadelphia, he's going to an archdiocese that has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse by priests. A grand jury report earlier this year said 37 archdiocesan priests were still in the ministry, despite credible allegations of abuse. That's a massive challenge, but Chaput has demonstrated that he has the strength to address the problem. He will certainly be missed in Colorado.
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