Catholics Hope Letters Sent to the Vatican Will Help Oust Bishop Finn

Fox 4
February 17, 2014

http://fox4kc.com/2014/02/17/catholics-hope-letters-sent-to-the-vatican-will-help-oust-bishop-finn/

[with video]

For years Catholics around the metro have signed petitions to have their voices heard about the hurt they feel with Bishop Robert Finn as head of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

With the help of a former priest who has expertise in canon law, that’s the church law, they hope letters sent to Rome will make their way to Pope Francis. He has the authority to ask for Bishop Finn to step down.

When Bishop Finn was convicted in 2012 for failing to report a priest involved in child pornography, it was viewed as a victory for some victims. However, the guilty plea did not force the bishop step down as head of the diocese as some had hoped.

“There’s been no discipline or retribution from within the church structure, and yet he allowed children to continue to be abused after he knew he didn’t report,” former victim advocate Jeanne Christensen said.

There are more than 100,000 people who have signed a petition calling for Bishop Finn to step down. So far, that pressure has not pushed the bishop out.

“We would like to see those in high authority to meet with him to talk to him, best outcome, he wouldn’t be bishop here,” Christensen said.

James McConnell said he spent five years training to become a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. He decided against being ordained after he became aware of how the Catholic Church handled local child abuse cases.

“If he wants to heal and help get rid of the hurt and harm that’s been caused in this diocese by his actions, he will resign and leave the diocese,” McConnell said.

Jack Smith, the director of communications for the diocese, said Bishop Finn has had his supporters and detractors, and people are free to make their opinions known. He also said the diocese and Bishop Finn remain focused and committed to the strengthened reporting and training programs, which they believe create a safer environment.

The Catholics who are reaching out to the pope say they will continue their efforts until they hear back from Rome. They say they won’t stop until Bishop Finn is gone.