To all Catholics in the St. Joseph-Kansas City Diocese, I ask you, at what point are you going to all truly stand up, speak out and say "Enough!" Word out this week that there is yet a third computer with pictures on it of young children, apparently taken and owned by Father Shawn Ratigan. The first was in St. Joseph, the 2nd here in Kansas City and this last one is in Independence. Then, two days ago comes word that another, different priest was removed from his post (there's a shocker, they're taking action) because of alleged sexual abuse back in the 70's, up in St. Joseph. Really, at what point are you Catholics going to truly and absolutely going to follow SNAP's lead (Survivor's Network of those Abused by Priests) and hold these people accountable? Publicly declare that this is no longer acceptable--not that it ever should have been--and withhold your weekly donation to the church and do all you can so your children are protected first instead of the clergy hierarchy. Enough, already!
Links: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/07/05/2996533/inquiry-of-priest-yields-more.html; http://www.kansascity.com/2011/07/05/2996391/priest-removed-from-duties-over.html; www.snapnetwork.org/
2 comments:
You should print this up and stick it under the windshields of Catholics' cars at churches on Sunday mornings, with contact numbers.
BTW, what priest in St. Joe was doing this in the 70's, at what parish?
Well, if I had but all that time--and resources. I'd also have to REALLY care. I care, for sure, but not enough to do all that would take. But "contact numbers"? Contact whom? The SNAP organization?
And this is the sad and surprising, disappointing part---it is a priest that was a longtime family friend at St. Francis, 27th and Penn Streets--a block away from our house, one Fr. James "Jim" Urbanic. He was close friends with our parents, especially our Mom. For that matter, he was even close to the family next door, as well. It's just very stunning. He was a great guy. It's quite a surprise.
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