MISSOURI
Catholic News Agency
By Michelle Bauman
Kansas City, Mo., Dec 7, 2012 / 04:08 am (CNA).- Calls for the resignation of Bishop Robert W. Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph that have gained media attention are exaggerated and do not depict the real situation in the diocese, according to local Catholics.
Jack Smith, interim director of communications for the diocese, told CNA that a Dec. 2 article by the New York Times was “inaccurate” in suggesting a widespread lack of support for the bishop.
The New York Times said that it had obtained 32 responses from a survey of priests conducted by a consulting firm hired by the diocese and that “half of them seriously doubted whether the bishop should continue as their leader, and several suggested that he resign.”
Smith explained that for some time, the diocese had been planning a capital campaign to build a new high school. However, after the bishop’s trial, they decided to have a consultant, Church Development, conduct a confidential survey to see if the campaign should be delayed.
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