Catholics Have Mixed Reaction to Archdiocese Helping Bail out William Lynn
Newsworks
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has helped Monsignor William Lynn post $25,000 to bail him out after his landmark conviction was overturned last week. His entire bail is $250,000 but is allowed to be released after posting 10 percent. Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams, himself a Catholic, criticized the church's decision. "Well, he committed those acts and he's responsible for what he does and he should be responsible for paying his bail," said Walt Kenney from Northeast Philly. Jim Clearkin, from Ambler said regardless of what Lynn did, he deserved the help because his conviction was overturned. "I also feel somewhat that Monsignor Lynn might be a scapegoat for others. If he was wrongly convicted, he should have been given bail," said Clearkin. "I really don't have a problem with it, considering it sounds like he was wrongly convicted. Not that I don't know that he didn't do anything wrong, but it sounds like legally, he should not have been convicted, so I don't see a problem with them posting bail for him," he added. Laurie Duncan attended Mass at the Philadelphia Basilica while visiting from Charlottesville, Virginia. Duncan said the church should do what it takes to move forward. "While it will probably affect ministries the church's money can be better spent in, it's sort of the least the church can do," Duncan said. "I don't know that he had the money himself given that he's been a career clergyman. So, I don't know I would say I was glad but it's sort of the only option. I mean, I wish he could stay in jail longer, quite frankly." Lynn will be monitored electronically and required to report weekly as conditions of bail. D.A. Williams is planning to appeal to have Lynn's conviction reinstated.
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