BishopAccountability.org
	Priest Speaks out on Egan Controversy By Matt C. Abbott Renew America [New York] October 14, 2006 http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/abbott/061015 In response to the current controversy involving Cardinal Edward Egan, Father Robert Hoatson, whose lawsuit names the cardinal as a defendant, has issued the following statement: It is heartening to learn that a significant number of clergymen in the Archdiocese of New York have concluded that the future success and holiness of the American Catholic Church rests on their efforts to hold their bishop accountable for the pastoral care of the people of God. The adjectives used to describe Cardinal Egan are the very same words that victims of clerical sexual abuse have used to describe bishops throughout the country as they have sought comfort and consolation for the damage done to them. And good priests who have tried to support victims and promote changes in the ways of bishops have been harassed, retaliated against, and marginalized. Cardinal Egan has been perceived by his priests as being aloof and absent during the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001. After this tragic event, Cardinal Egan was thought by the priests to have abandoned New York City, leaving Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to become the shepherd of the people. Cardinal Egan has been silent, for the most part, about the clergy abuse crisis, and vindictive toward anyone who disagrees with him. His priests have a fraternal obligation to correct him. I applaud my brother priests from New York and invite them to join priest/leaders like the Boston 58, Tom Doyle, Ken Lasch, and others who have risked their clerical and professional careers to do what is right. Matt C. Abbott is a Catholic columnist. He can be reached at mattcabbott@gmail.com.
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