Catholic Group Wants Answers over Bishop Allegations

By Jim Spiewak
NBC2
January 23, 2015

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/27918524/catholic-group-wants-answers-over-bishop-allegations#.VMOosPl_uSp

A group of Catholics are calling for answers into allegations surrounding Bishop Frank Dewane.

The NBC2 investigators have covered the bishop's troubles for nearly a year now.

The group wants to know why church leaders have not even acknowledged their concerns. The international group, The Voice for the Faithful, called Thursday's meeting in part because of a letter uncovered by the NBC2 investigators, signed by ten priests and sent to the Pope's aide in Washington D.C.

It alleges Bishop Dewane lacks financial transparency, violates canon law and uses bullying tactics.

Now the group alleges the Diocese is buying up land under a company called Trinity Enterprise Holdings instead of in the name of the Diocese and they say that could protect assets against a pending $5 million sexual abuse lawsuit.

Land records show Trinity owns land in Sarasota County. We asked the president of the Voice of the Faithful if Bishop Dewane needs to be removed from his position.

President Mark Mullaney says: “It's early to say that but because you asked the questions and you've got stone-walled if we ask the questions and we get stone-walled will we see the continuation of your being stone-walled and others and the priests that we talked about not having their day in court.”