The Code of Canon Law was completely rewritten in 1983 (and 1917 before that). Thus, the image you paint of moldering, stagnant canons unchanged for centuries is false on its face. Perhaps you are claiming that some of the principles the Church has clung to through the rewrites must be abandoned as quaint and outdated?Your attitudes belong to a different time, as do so many of the old Canon Laws on the books since popes ruled as kings.
The Code of Canon Law was completely rewritten in 1983 (and 1917 before that). Thus, the image you paint of moldering, stagnant canons unchanged for centuries is false on its face. Perhaps you are claiming that some of the principles the Church has clung to through the rewrites must be abandoned as quaint and outdated?Your attitudes belong to a different time, as do so many of the old Canon Laws on the books since popes ruled as kings.
I have carefully read this thread and need advice. I am torn in this case and can see the points of view from a practical and an emotional stand point. My conflict comes because he has been filling in saying mass in our parish since our pastor had emergency surgery last Friday. We have an associate pastor but we are a large parish and our needs are met by two full-time priests. We are only just beginning to heal from the scandle from our previous pastor who was here for a dozen years. What is my responsibility to “spread the word” to parents, especially those who have children who serve mass? We were not informed of this in advance, it was just announced, a “non-issue” approach. I need the guidance of the charitable yet wise on this forum. I would like to say I have a great love and respect for priests and the blessings they have brought to my life in abundance. The possiblity of our parish even dealing with a painful, even if it is false, accusation will be an incredible suffering, why would they send him to fill in here, where we have had such personal pain? why would they put him in a parish that has 850 students across the street? I do not understand but feel a responsibility to share with parents this information, not to scandelize this man, but to guard the innocent…
Mdgspencer, the priest this thread addresses, Father Kiffmeyer is the same priest filling in at our parish. I went to his mass this morning, he actually was the happiest priest I have ever seen say mass. He smiled the entire time.The situation that troubles you is not quite clear. Are you talking about a priest that was accused of sexual abuse? Has he been cleared or has the case yet to have an outcome?
Since it has not been shown that he hurt anyone, why the suggestion?Lets get him out of the diocese and into a place where he couldn’t hurt anyone, like Somalia or Iraq.
Which is not a showing of guilt nor an admission of any of the acts one is accused of.He paid a settlement.
What would you say that would not, in civil law, subject you to either libel or slander charges?Mdgspencer, the priest this thread addresses, Father Kiffmeyer is the same priest filling in at our parish. I went to his mass this morning, he actually was the happiest priest I have ever seen say mass. He smiled the entire time.
Any advice on informing the faithful?
Thanks for your help and please pray for our parish.
I’m not up on all the details, but I believe before 1917 there was no actual codified “Code of Canon Law”; there were just collections of laws from various sources. JFYI.The Code of Canon Law was completely rewritten in 1983 (and 1917 before that).
Yes, I believe you are correct. Thanks for the clarification.I’m not up on all the details, but I believe before 1917 there was no actual codified “Code of Canon Law”; there were just collections of laws from various sources. JFYI.
I would say that it would be useful to find resources in the Church and outside the Church to protect the innocent and to heal those hurt by members of the Church.I do not understand but feel a responsibility to share with parents this information, not to scandelize this man, but to guard the innocent…