Pope accepts resignation of German bishop in sex probe

[Zoe_Brain]

A Vatican statement said the pope agreed Bishop Walter Mixa of Augsburg in Bavaria should step down. He became the first bishop to quit in the pontiff’s native Germany over the child abuse scandal that has rocked the Church in several European countries and the United States.

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6470UU20100508?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FtopNews+%28News+%2F+US+%2F+Top+News%29

 

[Rascalking]

This bishop did the right thing.

 

[Zoe_Brain]

I will suspend judgement until after the criminal trial. I have nowhere near enough information to say one way or another. Pending that, “Innocent until proven guilty”, and standing-down until he’s vindicated (or otherwise) is the right thing to do. The honourable thing. I hope he’s innocent.

 

[Rascalking]

Perhaps you are correct, but why resign if you have nothing to hide/fear?

 

[Zoe_Brain]

Perhaps you are correct, but why resign if you have nothing to hide/fear?

To avoid scandal, and keep the Church’s good name intact until the matter is deal with.

Yes, I know, “Church’s good name” as if it had one. But you have to make a start somewhere.

 

[Non_Serviam]

He is facing accusations of financial impropriety, physical abuse and now sexual abuse. While as an individual he is certainly “innocent until proven guilty” I can see how multiple accusations could lead him to the conclusion that he might not be able to function effectively in his office.

To maintain confidence among the laity I believe it was the correct choice.