The head of the largest religious organization in Dominica says he will not be intimidated, as investigations of alleged sexual misconduct by a local priest continue.
Recently, allegations surfaced, that 19 years ago, Father Reginald Lafleur sexually abused a young woman, prompting a decision to send him on administrative leave.
However, that move did not go down well with Grandbay parishioners who staged a massive demonstration in support of Fr. Lafleur, their Parish priest, during Sunday mass.
Bishop of Roseau His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, who, for the first time, has spoken publicly about the matter, has said that the behavior of the parishioners was unfortunate.
“As the Bishop I have rules to follow. Rules that are stated by the church. Rules that are stated by canon law-the laws that govern the church and In cases of allegations of sexual abuse in the church, we are duty bound to respond in a certain way…Unfortunately the reactions were the way it was and things were communicated the way it was communicated but I was only following the rules of the church,” he said during mass on Sunday.
He said in some Caribbean islands, when there is an allegation of sexual abuse, the Bishop is duty bound to turn the case over to the civil authorities.
“This is not the case in Dominica. In Trinidad for instance, if there is an allegation of sexual abuse, the Bishop is duty bound to turn it to the civil authorities and the person would be immediately send on administrative leave. We have been on this case for practically 8 months. So we have been looking at it very closely and trying our best to look at the credibility of the whole situation,” he added.
The Bishop further explained that administrative leave was instituted so the review board could continue the investigation.
“We are not saying one is right and one is wrong. I know out there, some people have determined what is true and what is not true. We do not know. It is being investigated. Therefore people who may try to intimidate the process or intimidate the Bishop, they are making a big mistake.
He has asked Dominicans to pray for a resolution to the problem.
“I am asking that we face the issue with prayer. Prayer for the alleged victim and the also the one accused. Pray that the process its course, we have to realize that we are in a world that is flawed in many ways. Mistakes are made everywhere in the world. No one is exempt. We may think that our country is preserved from everything but no…” he said.
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), an international organization which speaks on the behalf of those abused by members of the clergy, has said it is “appalled” by the manner in which Bishop Malzaire handled the situation.
Even though I am a resident and citizen of Canada I have spent considerable time in the Caribbean and am an avid reader
of DNO.
The events in Dominica that I address in my comments to DNO happen in other nations including my own and are matters of international concern. So please understand I am speaking in general terms and applying what I believe are the right principles that also apply to similar situations in Canada or any other place. I do address the same problems elsewhere and have had articles published in over 40 Canadian and America newspapers and magazines.
A bishop has the responsibility of guiding the lives and ministries of the pastors under his oversight. Unfortunately this sometimes includes disciplining a pastor who has a serious moral failure. Discipline could involve anything from a verbal rebuke to expelling the man from the ministry for a limited time or permanently depending on the seriousness of the failure.
If the failure is a sin – but not a crime – ideally it should be contained. The discipline involves the “church family” and not the public. It is an “in house” matter. The bishop may announce what he feels comfortable making known but he realizes some things must be kept confidential. We should respect his professionalism.
In a situation where an accusation has been brought against a pastor by somebody who claims to have been sexually abused the case should be investigated. On one hand it should be remembered that the man is innocent until proven guilty. On the other hand due consideration must be shown to the alleged victim. Comfort should be given when it is appropriate. Professional counseling should be made available when there is emotional hurt or psychological damage.
When there is an accusation of a LAW being broken and a CRIME being committed the alleged victim should be given the option of taking it to the police and laying charges. No church is above the law. Clergy are not above the law. As Christians we believe God has delegated to civil authorities to responsibility to make and enforce the laws necessary for a peaceful and orderly society according to Romans 13:1-5. As an ordained minister of the church I must realize that according to Romans 14:4 the police officer is also God’s minister (servant)!
When the allegation involves a RAPE it should be reported to the police. Why? Because the offender
may do it again. Others are in danger.
When the allegation involves a sexual assault against a CHILD it MUST be reported to the police. The parents should do this immediately. They do not need permission from the bishop or any “higher up” in the church. A bishop who is informed of a child being molested by a pastor under his watch has a MORAL and I expect a LEGAL (depending on the laws of your country) obligation to take it to the police. History has proven to simply move the man to another parish does NOT work. He WILL re-offend. This nastiness MUST be stopped!
A CRIME (the breaking of the law) is more than a sin which can be disciplined internally by the church. It is a matter which involves the public. Outsiders (those who are not members of the church) have a right to know how the bishop handled the case. In a case of a pastor sexually abusing a child you – the people – have a right to know that it WAS reported to the police and dealt with in a civil court. You have a right to know the outcome of the trial! You have a right to know that the accused if guilty is expelled from the ministry not assigned to another parish! Stand up for this right! Insist on knowing! Why? because innocent people are in danger. Precious children – boys and girls – are at risk.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Pentecostal Evangelist.
One of the major issues with the Catholic system is the culture of creating sexual beast. How can you take a bunch of men and women with sexual organs, and tell them they cannot have any sexual contact as long as they want to serve the Catholic system. Isn’t that crazy? These people are like time bombs. They will respond to any sexual urge, and to make the matters worst our parents at the time of ignorancy were so proud of many of us who used to be baits for those brutal catholic created monsters. What a religion!!!
When i tell you of the hypocracy that exist in that RCH you must see it to believe it. Now, what happened to the tradition the Church had been practicing for Centuries? like confession? is penance only for the laity and not for the clergy? Let the Fr. Priest say three hail mary, two act of contrision, five our father, the apostle’s creed and call it a day nuh! So the confession box is just a joke then?
so why is this girl spreading other rumors. the employee she told is also a victim too. therefore what you expect
It takes a lot of courage to come forward and take action to expose the truth about being sexually abused. Let’s hope that anyone who may have knowledge or may have been harmed by Fr Reginald Lafleur will find the courage and strength to speak up and contact law enforcement, no matter how long ago it happened.
Keep in mind your silence only hurts, and by speaking up there is a chance for healing, exposing the truth, and therefore protecting others.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. [email protected],
“SNAP (The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
We not going Mass anymore , we shall go church elsewhere. The Catholic Church is has been preaching falsehood about white gods and praying to mary.
I was watching a programme on tv about the rampant sexual abuse in the baptist church in the US. I dare say it happens in other Churches possibly. Also Fr Lafleyr has been accused. He’s not been found guilty. It’s a shame that his name can be dragged through the streets of DA and the Internet whereas his accuser remains anonymous. Many ate presuming his guilt. It’s so possible that he could be wrongly accused!!!19 years ago?????? The mind boggles !!!
I blame the VatiXan. They must un-chained those priests man!! Priests don’t have a monthly cycle like ladies. Their blood just keeps on recycling, making lava. Then comes the eruption.
REFORM.
I will say it again, Bishop, your method was totally wrong. If 8 months ago, you investigating, how comes the people of grandbay had to wait so long to know there is an investigation with their priest. Isnt there a church committee for you to discuss this matter. For sure, I will respect the decision, but I feel you are afraid that the next Bishop would be Lafleur and you might have to go somewhere else. There are so many things you don’t talk about as Head of my Church. Lafleur, you have the powers that many don’t have including the Bishop, but God is Good
I have a couple of questions:
(1) Has the police started their own investigation? If not, why not?
(2) If they have started their invetigation, why isn’t it public knowledge that they are investigating the matter?
These guys of the cloth (including the Born-Agains), who think that by virtue of their positions, they have a licence to misbehave should be put on notice that they will be subject to the full extent of the law. Those who abuse their positions should be made to pay the price. That is not to say that Fr. Lafleur is guilty of any crime. The matter should be fully investigated by the police and if it is found he did nothing wrong, his name should be cleared. He should be trreated like any other citizen. No exception.
He should have articulated this position at that fateful sunday mass at Grandbay.!
its sad that so many persons are commenting in a way that makes it seem like they are saying the bishop’s action is wrong…administrative leave is a suspension…even when you are accused of something and there is no proof based on the severity of it your work would place you on admin leave so that they can investigate…if you are found innocent you are paid for all the days of the admin leave…if you are guilty then more than likely it may lead to your termination of employment. if this really happened no matter what the circumstances father lafleur was wrong…this is not the right behavior for him given his status….
though many persons are saying that they should be able to be intimate..and have a wife etc and though many may agree as men were made for women vise versa..this was not new to him, he knew taking this oath and this path meant sacrifice…if this happened he should have been the one to bring it up and face the consequences…it does not matter how many years later…like they say 99 days for the volez 1 day for the cops…i am hoping this is a false allegation because i believe that father lafleur is a very good priest…spiritual and very down to earth…maybe these are the qualities that would make someone make that allegation…or on a flip side maybe its those qualities that lead him to this…lets see how this turns out and all pray for him as that would be his advise to anyone else in this situation.
What bothers me about people as you, you are alrealdy blaming him and are not certain if this story is even true. You should rephrase your comments, in a different tone.
“already”
We are looking at Dominica at its worst. They could not come out and demonstrate for the good of the country but they can do it for something wrong!
Is the Bishop and other clergy members going to say something about the allegations made on Between You and Me about the Minister and the attempted rape case?
Can we expect sort of call for investigation or is it because it is not about buggery and homosexuality they will all keep silent.
This is an issue, that I strongly disagree with my Community. Protesting for a Priest, will not put food on the table for the people of Grand Bay.
Edd and Willie, you guys should bring to the attention of the people of Grand Bay the reason, the DLP led administration went against the idea of having all Saints University moved to Grand Bay.
Tell them how Ministers infighting in cabinet meetings, and how they sabotage Grand Bay Opportunity of Job creation in the village. Edd now you know that is true. Our Parl. Rep. also is aware of it. Which one of you will speak truth to power? One thing I know for sure; is that I always knew where the Late Pierre Charles stand on an issue. Can someone stand up and tell me the truth.
Do you see how depressing the village of Grand Bay has become?, This is the issue you should have brought to the community, let them show their displeasure of the Skerritt Administration. Now, this is a protest I will join any day. Tell me the place and I will be there.
The Church is also duty bound to keep the Govt in conformity with the constitution.
Mr. Bishop say somethings about the poverty and lack of jobs in Da
Grandbay Catholics should be ashamed of themselves. The Church is never wrong, the Bishop represents the Church. The Bishop doesn’t act on his own, he seeks council then act according to the decision decided by the council in accordance to the laws governing the Church.
Catholics should be aware of those facts. So there was no reason to react the way they did.
One of the fundermental motto for Catholics should always be: I believe (first), then the Lord will reveal the understanding.
“The Church is never wrong”??? The Church has people worshipping a Caucasian Jesus when everyone knows he came from the Middle East. If they can get such a fundamental thing “wrong”, how much more wrong can they get??
You must be a perfect person and always right; never made errors or took advantage of others in whatever manner. May God rebuke you!
The parishioners of Grand Bay firmly believe that the Priest should be stripped off his robe if he is found guilty of the allegation. They also have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour as well But the decision to send the lady to Trinidad for counseling speaks in volume and it was premature because the bishop had not arrived at a verdict and if he did, it was not disclosed. A man is innocent unless he is found guilty and you can’t judge a man without probable cause. The people protested against the manner the matter was settled by sending Jane Doe for counseling. That was a premature decision.
To admin. what is meant that my comment is waiting for moderation
ADMIN: It means just that, your comment is awaiting moderation.
I live in the US., Give Father Reggie a break. There is so much going on in the catholic church to look at. Tell the Catholic Principals in the secondary schools give the catholic children a break. They are to wicked to their own. Why should a catholic child be deprived of an education when u have those who hate us in our schools. This is what the bishop has to look at. especially the one in Convent. Bye
you must be an idiot to write this. stick to the topic
its is not just the ministers and priests. some of the men pretending to be best daddy and husband are no good for nothings too. rape is their game. they then manipulate the whole situation. do worry about there friendliness and all those smiles. wicked nasty men. God help our ladies and girls. Oh boys too. way papa.
I can see the country lost its way long time, children and women getting and no one gets persecuted as long as they preach or they belong to a certain sector of Dominican society, priest, police minister of government, they get away with it , all rapist should be BOLOCKEDNATED,
Ah, the priest went up Grand Bay and was intimidated by the parishoners.
Now he out of Grand Bay and people start giving him pressure, he seems to want to grow some cajones.
Priests are men too eh. When all you want to suffocate the most natural need of a man, then all you pay one way or the other.
That process His Lordship explained in the news article above is what should have been explained to the congregation from DAY ONE….There is a key in al this process Your worship, that is Transparency and communication. You leave a congregation, a people in Limbo they will after 8 months get worried and confused and protest.
Please community clearly the process from Day One. We were left blind and uninformed.
God blessings …we wish you all the best
WE all have to pray, pray, pray…let us call on the Holy Spirit for guidance for ourselves and the Church….GOD GUIDE YOU bISHOP…IT WILL TURN OUT WELL…
All I can say there is one God for all people, one Church, that we all belong too so why the rules Governing the church and incidents like this matter are different? Lets continue to pray for all parties involved also lets pray for Dominica because we are heading in a direction if God does not rescue us we will be in deep trouble. Every thing is upside down, every thing is inside out! Heavenly Father save us from our selves. Amen!
if these people are true catholics , why don’t they respect the laws of their church. the bishop has to follow the rules, and in this case I don’t think he is taking sides, he is doing his job.
i thought all you said all you wanted no other priest in grandbay except father reaggee. why all you did not go for him to do keys funeral or the same parishoners why didnt they perform the funeral
do call keys name in your
Hello Mr Malzaire. Well the Catholic Church has their own Police who’s going to conduct their Investigation and report to you. Well Mr Malzaire do you believe our people is that stupid to really think the Church will conduct a proper Investigaton or are you going to send him to another Island to continue his abusive behavior. This case should be investigated by the Police so they can put this Priest under Oath when they question him. In that way if he lie to the Police they can charge him with Perjury. It’s the same thing that was happening in Trinidad that’s why they don’t allow the Church to conduct any investigation when such allegations are made. I know the history of the Catholic Church when such allegation are made. They usually find the allegation as unfounded and then they send the Priest to some poor country where he can continue his abusive behavior . My people don’t you all remember what happened in this same church in 1969.
If it does not concern you, you should stay out of it and mind your own business. Your negative two cents and criticism will not help; it is of no use. In addition, have respect for the Bishop and give him his dues.
Justice and Truth.
Hello it does concern me because in the previous article I saw two family members protesting instead of asking for a proper investigation by the Police. Also the Bishop is a man just like me and are you telling me that you approved of the church investigating themselves. Hello didn’t you hear about the report that was just release by an independent commission on the Catholic Church in Milwaukee, USA. This type of sexual abuse by priest must stop.
The Bishop handled that whole thing wrongly. This alledged abuse has been around since last year, he sent the yound lady to Trinidad say it was for counselling, she is yet to attend one session. Can the Bishop please tell us who are the members of the review board? The same Canon law which he is quoting there are so many Catholic priest who are trained in that field e.g. Fr Thonmas, Fr Martin etc. why didnot he sit one of them along with the young lady, Fr Reggie and himself and listen to both sides. In the Judicial system all murderers get a chance to defend themselves but the Bishop is yet to give the priest a chance to defend himself. I am not on any side but justice is a scale and has to be balanced. Maybe the Bishop is a dictator, he leads one to think this wy because of his actions.
It is very hurtful to victims, when an accused priest is supported in such a public way, The parishioners can support him privately just as well.
Something to keep in mind-
Child predators are very cunning and manipulative. They know every trick on how to groom, threaten, lie, and put the fear of god into their victims, yet they can also be charming and generous, While they are grooming the child, they devote lots of time and energy building trust with them by giving them money and gifts. They tend to make the child feel that they are special and loved.
They appear to do a lot of goods things, they can be very charismatic and you may think they would never harm a child. They have to be this way, in order to not get caught and to continue to abuse
Sexual predators are often powerful and well-loved. It would be comforting if those who preyed on the vulnerable were obvious social misfits whose appearance would somehow set off alarm bells and give us ‘the willies’ or ‘the creeps.’ They rarely do. Usually, predators are among the last people we would suspect of sexually violating others. At a party, the predator isn’t some oddball sitting alone in a corner because others feel uncomfortable with him. Most often, the predator is the guy throwing the party.
Also, we must stop thinking that because a man is old, that somehow he’s automatically “safe.” It’s just irresponsible to endanger kids by assuming an adult is “harmless” simply because he or she may be losing hair, wearing glasses, using hearing aids or walking with a cane. These can be signs of advancing age, but they are not signs that an individual is safe around kids.
It is extremely rare that a child predator has only one victim. Some have many. Child predators need to be kept far away from kids forever.
So let’s hope that every person who may have knowledge or may have been harmed by Fr Reginald Lafleur will contact law enforcement. Silence is not an option anymore, it only hurts, and by speaking up there is a chance for healing, exposing the truth, and therefore protecting others.
Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Associate Director, USA, 636-433-2511. [email protected],
“SNAP (The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
That bishop need to go simple
Mr malzier, similar behaviour is exhibited all the time Dominica with other instances of bad behaviour, so why don’t you find it fit to speak out? Now that it affect you directly you want to talk but I hope this is a turning point for you and that you will start adding your voice to that of those who are speaking out on bad behaviour by persons in position of authority.
why do we need to attend church so much,religeon to me is a way to control people,which reminds me of john lennon song ” imagine”
You ever thought even without religion that Satan controls you which is why you made that statement?
eh beh am with. no one i thinking about the victim it is time they deal with these priests/ministers……who cares how
Later, God will deal with you. Take note.
I honor the courage of the young woman who stood up and spoke of her abuse. Her bravery may be a positive example to others victims.
If you know of abuse or have a reasonable suspicion of abuse you must report it to the police to protect the victim and any victims to follow.
Father Gabrielle did the right thing… Gone were the days when these things happened and they were swept under the carpet because people wouldn’t believe you, or you would be looked down at, or gossiped upon.. you were ridiculed then… In the UK/USA these allegations no matter how many years would be thoroughly investigated and proper action taken. These priest intimidated young people in the days gone by and nothing was done about it. Girl I glad you spoke out even after all these years because I know what you’re going through.. I for one have witnessed something of similar bearings.. and although I wasn’t the victim.. I still feel violated..even after 20 odd years.. I still see this man looking under his stepdaughter skirt his hand in her private area.. God knows how haunted I feel even to this day and have only had the courage to tell one person…. and have nothing but hatred in my heart for this man even to this day.. It has been so bad it has affected my trust in men, and my sex life with my husband..so don’t bash the girl
i think Bishop need to encourage the priest in question to come openly and ask the young lady forgiveness in order for him to continue in his priesthood. i am sure the lady will forgive him once he admitts what he did. and the matter will not go any further.. Humbly yourself if u say you are doing the work of God. and stop sending the priest away.. that is not helping.
Okay fine he was following the “rules” in this particular incident what about the young boys that have been abused/molested been victim to indecent touch all that have been swept under the carpet. I am a catholic but his motives leaves me to wonder. He is silent on important matters taking place in the country and as such he should not have spoken about that in his sermon. It is being investigated let it continue and have no comments as usual.
The way i like my thing, i don’t think “priest” is in my vocation.
Many souls go to Hell for sins of the flesh. They fall into Hell like snow flakes; in Dominica, it is like rain falling. Join Satan’s club and group. You seem to be right there with him.
I have one question for you at DNo; why do you not print comments that are not complimentary? Don’t you think you need to rethink your position as a proper newspaper? take the time out and read a news story from any major newspaper i.e. the daily mail and then read the comments
Priests should be allowed to have a wife,get married,have a family life,be fruitful and multiply ,he is man ,a male creature,what is the purpose of a male creature? Are there priest with kids ?
There are married Pastors who are unfaithful to their wife’s who also abuse children are they different from a Catholic priest? considering the fact that they are quote on quote {MARRIED}
Are you saying a married Priest would not abuse children . Before a man become a Priest the church gives him its rules so.
The Bishop should not use the incident to deny grandbay catholics a proper burial.He should tell us why there was no priest for KEY’S funeral.
We love Fr. Regie
It is not only priests who conduct funerals. The lay ministers of the church can do it as well.
Absolutely! We want to know, no we DEMAND to know, why there was no priest for Key’s funeral! Not taking revenge and trying to teach GrandBay people a lesson by any chance, was he???
I recognize that Fr. Regie is being missed by his parishioners by his parishioners. I empathize with Grand Bay parishioners. However, please do not blame the Bishop. All priests were obviously busy in their parish or let us say the one who resides nearest to Grand Bay.
Did a Deacon not officiate? In the absence of a priest, the arrangement is, he can perform funerals and marriages.
If there is a resident parish priest and he is unable to perform them, the deacon will be designated to do so. Under certain circumstances the deacon is allowed to do so. No exception in Canada, the US and elsewhere, throughout the Catholic world.
The only part of the Mass the Deacon is not allowed to perform is the Consecration since he is not a consecrated priest.
Pray for Fr. Lafleur, for your parish and the Catholic Church in general. This Church is under a lot of persecution commencing with the enemy of our souls, Satan, the great influencer of hearts and spirit. Note what has occurred to Fr. Lafleur. This includes other priests elsewhere in the world. Some who were accused were not guilty of the crime. Put it down to Money! Money! Money!
God is observing and has taken note. The Church, especially in Dominica is being tested. Take heart and be patient. God is in control. Take it to the Lord in prayer.
I pray too for Fr. Lafleur and that he will be vindicated. As Bishop Malzaire stated, Church procedure must be followed in such cases.
God bless you and the Grand Bay parishioners.
Time to leave the Catholic Church.
to go where? leave the FRYING PAN and jump into the FIRE?
You cannot obtain eternal salvation without being a Catholic. There is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church. Why? Because Our Lord established one only Church and it is the Catholic Church. In your ignorance with false indoctrination/teaching you do not know that. Pray to God for this enlightenment.
Those who are not Catholics and whom God forgave and those who are not yet dead whom He may forgive, they will be purged in the fires of Purgatory. Better believe it. It is better to believe than not to believe.
Hello. I left a long time ago because I read the Bible and they worship statues.
Thank you Bishop Malziare for making your position as regards sexual abuse clear. Only this week end Dominicans heard on radio the sickening allegations of a sexual abuse case by a Minister of the Skerrit Labor Govennment. Allegations or not, the fact that the lady made a report to the police,anywhere in the free world the Minister involved would be arrested.Dominicans are patiently awaiting a statement from the Prime Minister. Like I told a friend, dont expect any statements or actions will be taken by this Government.One for all, all for one. We shall not, we shall not be moved.
aye aye who that minister be nuh…? but aye aye look roro in roseau yes…
What is surprising and bothers me, why now are they making those allegations? I do think there should be a statute of limitation for this.
Some people of the world are not fair and just. We have in the world men having sex with men; likewise women with women. They openly say that they are homosexuals and lesbians. There are so-called gay pride parades in the streets. Some governments legislated this so-called same sex marriage. These people are allowed to adopt children that they did not conceive.
Yet, priests and other people in the secular world are being arrested, charged and imprisoned for what it is assumed was committed years ago; even 50 years and more ago.
You better think God for when God decides to cleanse the world with fire and brimstones, those unfair people and those who practice homosexuality and lesbianism including all those who uphold them in any way including the silent ones who keep quiet as some claim to be religious people, protecting their hide, being afraid to speak up, God will hold all of them accountable for encouraging sin.
As it says, “All it takes for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing.” There are many such people in the world. Some of them even give advice and try to prohibit others from taking a stand for morality. God above is taking note. So much for them.
As also heard on US Catholic Radio, “Some offer advice and do nothing. God knows who they are.
If you have not received this inspiration, pray to God for it. I did not have to pray to God for it for the Holy Spirit inspires those who are willing to stand up for just cause.
Therefore, let us not conclude that those alleged cases did occur,if they ever did and that the men were the perpetrators, primary willing participants. You should be old enough to know that people do tell lies in order to damage the personal and business reputation and status of others. All they have to do is get a lawyer, bring a charge against them and then the entire hypocritical world believes without a hearing. Sometimes, in these cases, it could have much to do with a woman’s envy and one scorned.
God and time will take care of such people if they concocted a lie for also monetary gain.
Justice, Justice, Justice, there you go again with your fire and brimstone philosophy. You as usual, is missing the whole point. Sexuality, gay parades, government legislation, man/woman having sex with each other is not at issue here. The issue is about a stupid priest an incompetent bishop, a victim, or to put it mildly, an organization disrespecting the rights of a citizen therefore, the laws of D/ca. On another note, let me add, ten, fifty years of raping, molesting innocent people is wrong as much as if it happened yesterday. No Justice, statute of limitations do not make wrong, evil acts right. All we ask is if a priest, pastor, bishop, they breaks the law state intervention must be just and quick. We cannot wait for a “slow” God or keep our citizens suffering until some Pope in Rome decides the outcome. You know Justice, had the authorities in the US, and other countries acted quickly more than 50 years ago many people especially children would have been saved from these rapists men with their shirt collars back to front, and a bible in the other hand. Besides, Church law is not above State law. That is the problem of D/ca today. This is not the time for you ‘holier’ than thou people to be threatening fear with fire & brimstone while condemning people that are asking for fairness. This victim has a right to be heard, as much as law abiding citizens having the right for calling this bishop to use the laws of D/ca. Remember Justice, we must render the laws of the State as much as we must respect the laws of the Church. We are not at the Vatican therefore, the laws of D/ca (state) must always have priority.
The victim should take further action. Sexual abuse will not stop until those who still have the chance to prosecute do just that.
Innocent until proven guilt We to like to spreed rumors and allegations before getting fac.Know if what is said is true. Now when the tables are turn and is one of us or member of our family is another tune we singing. We as a society need to stop it once and for all. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. That same between u and me like he is the police judge and jury accusing a person of sexual abuse, a few years back when he was acuse by a young lady working at coconut u know where, what did he say then. Put it in your pipe an smoke. Can happen to anyone anywhere any time.
Hope all goes well
Can’t they just get over this thing and allow time to take it’s course…let the investigators do their work? Bishop Malzaire looking for more noticing. We are all humans, we all make mistakes but some people are so sensitive, even a sweeteyes can make us take action. The catholic church is broke, so there is no more money to give. They better start charging people for entering the church to pay that woman
are you a fool or what? Do not comment if you have nothing better to say.
Seems they really brokes for true!! No wonder a Vatican Monsignor was arrested a few days ago by Italian police for trying to smuggle 20 million euros (US$26 million) in cash into Italy from Switzerland by private jet.
Get over what thing, sexual abuse? Allow what to take its course? Why is Bishop Malzaire looking for notice? Yes, we are humans, we make mistakes and some people are more sensitive than others, but should these people be abused allowing the abuser to walk? People should be careful, sweet-eyes or not. The Catholic Church may be broke but I do not believe anyone is seeking monetary compensation. I think that the Catholic Church should change its rules, let the priests get married so there will be no case of sexual abuse. They are “human” they have BLOOD and FEELINGS. I think they are unable to control those feelings, sending them into a spiral mode where they take what they want wherever they get it. NO, they should not start charging people for entering the Church to pay anyone. They should have the Priests get married to satisfy their urges, the Nuns too. No wonder there are so many gays and lesbians. Do you not agree?
Every Pastor/Preacher in ALL other Religion is married with the exception of CATHOLICS.
Itassi there are still MARRIED Pastors who are unfaithful to their spouses. WHATS YOUR POINT?
I said it all along that the Bishop made the appropriate decision to send the accused on admin leave. I’m not saying anyone is guilty or not guilty. However, the accused is assumed innocent until proven otherwise. That’s exactly what happens with such cases in the civilized world, the accused is put on admin leave.
I also maintained that the Bishop was simply following the rules stated by the church. He knows very well that the church has paid and continues to pay large sums of money for past behaviors of priests. He simply did what the rules stated by the church ordered him to do.
As for the parishioners, I shall forever say their reaction to demonstrate in a carnival type atmosphere, with drums on the church grounds, dancing and wailing to include intimidation of the Bishop was dead wrong in my opinion.
my thoughts exactly…
You have this completely wrong. In the church, it is not assumed that a priest is innocent until proven otherwise; it is the other way around. In the Catholic Church, A priest (or any accused) is guilty until proven innocent, hence the reason the accused is immediately placed under administrative leave. Once accused, even though the individual is found “innocent”, his priesthood is tarnished for LIFE; many bishops will not allow an accused (although found innocent) priest to function in his Diocese.
Nonsense u talking Bishop Gabriel Mizeh! How can you make a grave decision with no prior investigation?
Didn’t you read that they’ve been on the case for 8 months?
Once the complaint is brought forth, this is the Church procedure especially in these times.
Actually to make this news story complete it should have reported that the Survivors
Network was appalled that the bishop seemed to be intimidated by the villagers and was buckling under pressure.
Admin: Reader, did you read the entire story?
admin,
I think the person may be pointing out that this is not what you last line said. In other words, you needed to be more specific. The last line is somewhat ambiguous about exactly what the network criticized the bishop for.
I was wondering, because the report seem to indicate that SNAP is not in agreement with the Bishop ensuring that the matter is investigated.
i think alot of priests have been getting away with this sort of things for years!!!
you sure is priests you wanted to say, or ministers
@ha: And pastors, and business men, and civil servants. You can finish the list for me.
Some of those ministers/pastor also murdered their wives. Toronto has such a case. He murdered his wife for another woman, his secretary. I believe he is imprisoned.
Some of them have stolen funds from the parishioners’ almsgiving and lived lavishly. If caught, in this part of the world, they are persecuted.
I hear and read of those cases and I do not write the Media and lambaste those ministers/pastors. I feel sorry for them that they were weak of spirit. If guilty, their punishhment is, being caught, arrested, charged and imprisoned. If they do not repent, make penance and sacrifice in the form of restitution to appease God, they will pay an eternal price. We let God take care of them. He who said, “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay!”
There is a tendency to judge all priests, even the good ones. People must be careful not to generalize. They must also be careful not to judge when they hear of alleged rape/sexual abuse.
Keep in mind who knows for others, the same ones who lambaste the priests. What goes around comes around, be it in a different way. Life has a way of repaying people, what they dish out to others. We must never lose sight of this.
or Pastors.
Do not blame priests alone. Pastors do the same thing as well. Even taking people wife from them and having affairs with young girls for material things.
You must think before you comment. To be honest, so have many men in the secular world and they were never charged. Your forefathers and present one including other male family members could have been guilty of this offense. This is how some relationships began including their marriage. Some parents forced the men who impregnated their daughters to marry them.
What some single women who got pregnant for them did was to take them to Court for child support, if they could find the father. The men were never charged for rape/sexual abuse.
Some of them went to the UK or elsewhere in the world and never supported their children. The women were left to support their children at the mercy of their parents. Dominicans are fully aware of that. Some of the men have died and gone to their eternal judgment. God judged them accordingly.