Letter Sharply Critical of Bishop Dewane

Herald Tribune
May 23, 2014

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20140523/article/140529844

Most Reverened Frank J. Dewane listens as His Excellency Most Reverened John J. Nevins, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, addresses questions from reporters during a press conference prior to the Episcopal ordination of Dewane, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice in 2006.

At least 10 priests and pastors in the Diocese of Venice sent a letter to papal authorities voicing sharp criticism of Bishop Frank Dewane, questioning the diocese's financial transparency under his leadership and condemning what the group called Dewane's “bullying” and “outbursts of rage,” according to a Fort Myers television station.

Channel 2, an NBC affiliate, posted the letter Thursday evening but did not disclose who signed it.

Bob Reddy, the diocese's communications director, told the Herald-Tribune on Friday that after some “vague inquiries” the diocese confirmed that the letter sent to Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano appears legitimate.

But the diocese strongly disputed the allegations.

“Bishop Frank J. Dewane and the Diocese of Venice in Florida take seriously all letters of inquiry. However, anonymous letters or unsigned correspondences, as such, in professional circles lack all credibility,” the diocese responded. “This is a clear attempt to maliciously and publicly damage the reputation of Bishop Dewane and the Diocese of Venice.”

Those making the charges against Dewane did not wish their names disclosed because, “We fear retaliation from the bishop ...” the letter stated.

The letter outlined three sets of allegations against Dewane, who in 2007 became bishop of the Venice Diocese serving Southwest Florida.

• “There is no financial transparency in the bishop's office.” The letter alleges the diocese has secretly bought property and that the local church leadership has been guilty of “excessive and apparently impulsive spending of diocesan funds which appear unmonitored by the customary controls.”

• Dewane does not allow oversight that “Canon Law intends.” It claims Dewane has dismissed or ignored church boards and instead makes decisions such as where to assign priests without consultation.

The letter also criticizes Dewane's personal behavior, saying he “repeatedly ruled those under his authority with intimidation, the use of fear, shaming, bullying and other non-Christian behaviors.” The letter accuses Dewane of using “blasphemous language” and says his “mean-spirited demeanor with clergy make him impossible to work with with.”

The letter was sent to Archbishop Vigano in Washington, D.C., in January. But Reddy said that Dewane only became aware of it after someone leaked it to the Fort Myers television station.

The letter asks that the archbishop take action to “rectify the disgraceful action here.” Reddy said Friday the diocese has received no communication from the archbishop about the letter.

The station reported that 10 priests and pastors signed the letter. But Reddy said because those who sent it have not come forward the diocese considers the allegations “dubious.”

“With the general nature and unfounded complaints in the letter that was released, one has to wonder who is being bullied by whom?” the diocese said in a statement. “Bishop Dewane continues to be open to speaking to any priests of the Diocese on matter of concern.”

Dewane, 64, a native of Wisconsin, started his career working for NBC in Moscow and for a subsidiary of PepsiCo before returning to school and becoming an ordained priest in 1988. He served for a number of years at the Vatican before becoming the second bishop of the Venice Diocese, succeeding John Nevins.

As bishop, Dewane is the spiritual leader of the area's 250,000 Catholics.