BishopAccountability.org
	Church Dust-up Needs Public Resolution Amarillo Globe-News September 15, 2011 http://amarillo.com/opinion/editorial/2011-09-14/church-dust-needs-public-resolution#.TnJdyF0TpDU The decision to suspend a controversial Catholic priest — and bring him back to Amarillo — has the ring initially of a story with many potential legs. And make no mistake: This really isn’t an issue that should concern only the faithful of the flock. It well might reach well beyond the church. At issue is a letter issued by Amarillo Diocese Bishop Patrick Zurek, in which he suggests that the Rev. Frank Pavone’s involvement in a pro-life cause “has inflated his ego.” The letter alludes to a significant business enterprise that has developed from Priests for Life, the charity that Pavone leads. Priests for Life, based in New York, “has become a business that is quite lucrative, which provides Father Pavone with financial independence from all legitimate ecclesiastical oversight.” Zurek’s letter refers to a “potential financial scandal” related to the charity’s holdings. And why the Amarillo connection? Pavone had sought five years ago to build a seminary dedicated to advocating pro-life positions — as articulated by the Catholic Church — on land donated by the Amarillo Diocese. He raised tens of millions of dollars to build the center, but it never was erected. One significant point of contention appears to be Zurek’s assertion that Pavone hasn’t provided a full accounting of the money he has raised, which Pavone denies. There needs to be a public resolution of this conflict, given that much of the money at issue more than likely came from many people of all denominations and walks of life who adhere to the pro-life positions advocated by Pavone — and the church. Indeed, abortion is an issue that transcends religious doctrine. It is a major part of the secular political debate as well. And let’s not be coy about another issue facing the church. It has been criticized from many quarters over the way it has handled the myriad sex abuse scandals involving priests. Critics have accused the church of being secretive and less-than-forthcoming as it has sought to perform what many observers have labeled as damage control. This dust-up between the Amarillo bishop and a controversial clergyman might not rise to that level. Still, this matter requires full transparency — all the way to its conclusion.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.