Bishop Takes Aim at Departed Priest

By Scott Hammers
Bend Bulletin
March 21, 2015

http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/2996043-151/bishop-takes-aim-at-departed-priest#

The Bishop of the Diocese of Baker is again critiquing a former Catholic priest, posting a letter on the Diocese website advising “faithful Catholics” not to take part in services and rituals performed by James Radloff.

Radloff was at the helm of the Bend-based St. Francis of Assisi parish for nearly two years until he was dismissed by Bishop Liam Cary in October 2013. The diocese has said little about the reasons for Radloff’s dismissal, other than to say — at the time — that Radloff remained a priest “in good standing.”

Shortly after he was removed from his post, Radloff appealed to the Vatican to reverse Cary’s decision. After his appeal was denied, Radloff announced he was leaving the Roman Catholic Church to serve as pastor of the Holy Communion Evangelical Catholic Church, a small sect that embraces much of the ritual and doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church while taking a more liberal approach on social issues.

Earlier this month, Bishop Cary posted a letter to the diocese website, seeking to address Radloff’s status with the Roman Catholic Church.

“As the months have gone by, uncertainty about James Radloff’s status has arisen, prompting some parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi, for example, to receive Communion or Anointing of the Sick from him in the hospital and in nursing homes,” Cary wrote. “Lest such confusion spread, I wish to make it clear that James Radloff is not authorized or permitted to exercise the ministry of a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Baker. He has entered into schism with the Catholic Church.”

Cary went on to write that Radloff is also forbidden to celebrate Mass, baptize, perform marriages or hear confessions. Contacted Friday, Bishop Carey and the Diocese of Baker declined to comment on the letter.

Radloff said he’s not “masquerading as a Roman Catholic priest,” but providing a service the St. Francis of Assisi parish is not.

“In my opinion, (Cary) had to write that letter out of embarrassment, because the priests in Central Oregon are not showing up when people are sick and dying,” Radloff said. “The priests in Central Oregon are not showing up when people are sick and dying, and so when I get a phone call, I go. The family knows I’m not affiliated with the Bishop, but all they’re looking for is someone to be there with them in their time of need.”

Radloff said he’s moved on from his split with the local diocese, and is focusing his attention on growing his new church. The Holy Communion Church now has more than 200 members, he said, is holding two services every Sunday at the Bend Senior Center, and recently added a second priest.

“It’s an excellent start, it surprised us,” Radloff said.

Cary’s letter concludes by stating within the Roman Catholic Church, the “door to reconciliation is always open.”

“It is my prayer that James Radloff will one day step through it and back into communion with all who regret his departure,” Cary wrote.

Last fall, Radloff filed a complaint with the state Bureau of Labor and Industries, alleging the Diocese and Cary engaged in unlawful employment practices when dismissing Radloff from his duties with the local parish. Charlie Burr, spokesman with BOLI, said Thursday his agency has not made a final determination in the matter.

— Reporter: 541-383-0387, shammers@bendbulletin.com