Memphis churchgoers offended by priest abuse leaflets
By Marc • May 22nd, 2005 • Category: River City, the ChurchGet the story here.
Members of a Memphis Roman Catholic church say they’re upset that a group protesting priest sexual abuse of youngsters left leaflets on their cars.
Well, first off it should be “Memphis Roman Catholic parish”. But anyway, I understand why they’re so upset. I would be upset too. SNAP should just mind their own business. The Diocese handled the Chambers case very well and within guidelines agreed upon between the both the Church and law enforcement authorities. What do they want the Bishop to do????
Church member Becky DeGroff says Church of the Ascension is her congregation’s place of worship and SNAP members have no right to do what they did.
Damn straight!
SNAP is upset with the Memphis diocese because of officials’ decision to return Father Richard Mickey to a Jackson church.
Again, I ask what they want the Church to do?
Mickey is being sued by twin brothers Blain and Blair Chambers, who claim they were on a fishing trip when repressed memories of them being molested as teenagers at Bishop Byrne High School surfaced.
Both these men have criminal records. One of them has a warrant out for his arrest in Memphis. They were on a “fishing” trip when these “suppressed memories” surfaced. Sounds like they caught a big catch, doesn’t it? The important thing to remember in this is case is that in other cases, one or more people coming forward always inspired more victims to come forward. This has not happened in this case. It is simply a matter of their word against Fr. Mickey’s. I think SNAP is way out of line by taking such a hard line on this case.
Marc is a Catholic technology geek living in Tennessee. He blogs at Wild Tangents and is the host of the Catholic Vocations Podcast.
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Here’s the rub–make an accusation based on repressed memories about anybody and this is what you get. SNAP is right to be upset about real abuse-let’s all agree on that, HOWEVER, let’s make sure that ALL the facts are presented. Starting with 1) these guys are convicted criminals 2) There HAS BEEN and investigation and is was determined to be WITHOUT MERIT.
Unfortunately, there have been cases where a diocese has dismissed a charge without due dilligence and done so to protect themselves, so we have to deal with every claim, no matter how outlandish. Once again the many are suffering for the actions of the few. The Church has exposed herself to scandal by not being open and treating this for what is is–criminal activity. Let’s pray that the seminaries and the Bishops get the picture
I’m not allowed to comment extensively, but I’m sure you have a good take on things.
Well, this incident has made SNAP loose whatever legitimacy they had in my eyes. As far as I’m concerned, they’re just another rouge group of heretics, like Voice of the Faithful.