Catholic Leaders Complain about Diocese of Venice Bishop

By Jim Spiewak
NBC 2
May 22, 2014

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/25593623/catholic-leaders-complain-about-diocese-of-venice-bishop#.U4DUwfl_uSr

Ten priests and pastors go on the record calling the Diocese of Venice Bishop a bully who relies on intimidation and fear.

That's just beginning of a list of complaints now on the way to Washington, D.C.

A group of priests wrote a letter to the Pope's liaison with major concerns over Bishop Frank Dewane.

We obtained a copy of that letter.

In it, the group says the Venice Diocese under Bishop Frank Dewane’s leadership has become quote “intolerable.”

The letter was sent to Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano in January and centers around three complaints; financial transparency, violation of canon church law and intimidation and bullying tactics.

The letter cites examples of excessive, unmonitored spending of diocesan funds by Bishop Dewane.

The letter goes on to say the bishop got rid of several groups required to assign priests and deacons -- saying instead, Bishop Dewane makes those decisions on his own.

Catholics say the letter surprises them.

“I don't know if anything will be done about it, I tend to think probably not," said Susan Cowart, a practicing Catholic.

Others say the letter presents serious allegations that can’t be swept under the rug.

“I think being that it's ten people and not just one that it should be investigated and I'm sure there are other people out there that didn't want to get involved," said Melissa Cowart, a practicing Catholic.

The letter was sent to the Pope’s aide on January 17th and the group has yet to hear back.

“I don't trust anybody just for that reason,” said Cowart.

An official with the diocese says they’re unaware of the letter and had no further comment.

We reached out to Archbishop Vigano and the Vatican, but did not hear back.