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	Ex-bishop of Phoenix Catholic Diocese Declines Award after Outcry from Clergy Abuse Victims The Republic November 25, 2011 http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/920ec63bc9bb4d099226936d3281c2b6/AZ--Ex-Bishop-Award/ The former Catholic bishop in charge of the Phoenix diocese has turned down an award after an outcry from victims of clergy abuse. Former Bishop Thomas O'Brien was to be honored by Catholic Community Foundation in April. Foundation officials told the Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/se1Y9m ) that he gave no reason for turning down the award. But the award announcement two weeks ago spurred immediate negative reaction. O'Brien signed an agreement with the Maricopa County attorney's office in 2003 in which he acknowledged protecting priests who were abusive and endangering children. He served as bishop from 1982 to 2003. The foundation's president, Donna Marino, apologized in a prepared statement Wednesday to those who were hurt by the decision to honor the bishop. "The executive committee of the board of directors did not anticipate the reaction of the public before the selection was made, which was based solely on (O'Brien's) role as the founder of the organization and the event," she said. "We are sorry for any pain and suffering this has caused victims of abuse and their families. We offer our apologies for not having shown more understanding and compassion." O'Brien signed an agreement with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office in 2003 in which he acknowledged protecting priests who were abusive and endangering children. The foundation, founded in 1983, became an independent charity in 2003, although it retains offices at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in downtown Phoenix. It has assets of almost $50 million and made grants of more than $2.2 million to nonprofit, mostly Catholic organizations in fiscal 2011. Since it was founded, it has made grants of more than $20 million in the community. The agreement O'Brien signed with prosecutors clearly outlined his role in failing to prevent sexual abuse by the clergy. "He allowed Roman Catholic priests under his supervision to have contact with minors after becoming aware of allegations of criminal sexual misconduct," the agreement read. "He shall further acknowledge transferring offending priests to situations where children could be further victimized." The bishop was involved in a fatal hit-and-run accident that cost him his position just weeks after signing the document. He was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident and served a sentence of community service and probation. Since then, O'Brien has kept a low profile, occasionally presiding at Masses and attending diocesan events. He celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest in May with a private Mass and dinner.
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