Boise bishop explains why he didn't tell parish about FBI child porn investigation

[stumbler]

Bishop will disclose sex-case inquiries
Idaho church leader waited as deacon was investigated

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Roman Catholic Bishop Michael Driscoll of Idaho says he waited nine months before informing members of a Boise parish that their deacon was under investigation for viewing child pornography because the diocese was worried about being sued over such allegations.

But that’s not the case anymore, he said in his first interview since it was disclosed last month that Driscoll withheld information that St. Mary’s Deacon Rapelyea Howell was the subject of an FBI investigation and continued to let Howell participate in services.

“I would just say the heck with worries about civil liabilities, let’s go do it and do the right thing,” Driscoll told The Idaho Statesman newspaper Tuesday. “If I make it public and it turns out to be false, I will make that very, very public so I can restore that person’s name.”

The 65-year-old leader of Idaho’s 144,000 Catholics has been criticized by the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. The group alleges he is continuing a pattern of secrecy and protection of abusive church workers that began when he was an official with the Diocese of Orange, Calif., three decades ago. . . .

---

Full article

 

[beckers]

stumbler:

“I would just say the heck with worries about civil liabilities, let’s go do it and do the right thing,” Driscoll told The Idaho Statesman newspaper Tuesday. “If I make it public and it turns out to be false, I will make that very, very public so I can restore that person’s name.”

I’m sorry but you can not go back after running someone’s name through the mud. People will always remember the scandal but will not remember the out come. With that said… what was the diocese thinking??? I hope they moved him out of contact with childern while the investagation was on going. We need to protect the childern at all time!!!

GOD BLESS the childern,
Beckers

 

[puzzleannie]

several years ago I was employed in a firm where the FBI was conducting an investigation, and as one of those cooperating with their agents, was instructed not to tell anyone in management or outside the company so as not to compromise the investigation, which resulted in indictments. it is possible the priest was under such a direction. in any case, there are canon law and diocesan policies that govern such cases, and those should have been followed as well. The individual pastor does not have the discretion to make decisions that properly belong to the bishop.