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MO--Whistleblowers ask Pope to discipline Bishop Finn
By Barbara Dorris
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
February 15, 2014
http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_whistleblowers_ask_pope_to_discipline_bishop_finn
A Catholic priest, nun and parishioners have filed formal charges with the church headquarters in Rome against Kansas City Bishop Robert Finn for his illegal and hurtful recklessness, callousness and deceit in the horirific case of a serial predator priest.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/us/pope-pressed-on-bishop-who-supervised-pedophile.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140214&tntemail0=y
We are deeply grateful to these brave individuals and wish them success. Far too many church employees and members do little or nothing to seek justice and prevent cover ups, even when kids are severely hurt because ofirresponsible prelates.
Catholics are not powerless. They should not pretend to be. This determined group is showing real courage and compassion. Again, we are grateful that they are taking action to safeguard kids by seeking discipline for an egregious wrongdoer.
Bishop Finn should be punished because it is unjust for him to escape consequences for his selfish and hurtful deceptions. And he should also be punished because that's the best way to deter other bishops in the future from putting their reputations ahead of the safety of children.
We are skeptical of internal church processes and believe that all clergy sex crimes and cover ups should be reported to secular officials. In this case, however, our justice system has done what it can. But he remains in office.
Pope Francis must discipline Finn or else forfeit his image as a “breath of fresh air” in the church.
Contact: SNAPdorris@gmail.com
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