Amid scandal, Philadelphia priests form association
August 22, 2011
Citing a “vacuum of information” from the archdiocese on the status of priests suspended following a grand jury report on clerical abuse, a group of Philadelphia priests has formed an independent Association of Philadelphia Priests.
The group plans to call upon the archdiocese to develop policies “that respect the canonical, civil, and human rights of a priest.”
The organizers, “like most Philadelphia priests, are very orthodox men who love the Church,” said Father Christopher Walsh. “We're not looking to be adversarial. We’re part of the Church. We respect and look forward to working with Archbishop Chaput.”
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Further information:
- Archdiocese issues update to 500 priests on its plans for sex-abuse cases (Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Philadelphia priests gather amid abuse crisis (AP)
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Posted by: Defender -
Aug. 22, 2011 7:29 PM ET USA
Association, priest council, whatever you call it, it's a union and they've been in existance for decades....
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Posted by: -
Aug. 22, 2011 6:11 PM ET USA
Canon law permits the formation of such associations. The priests of Philadelphia are not interested in forming a "union." As a member of this particular association I look forward to Archbishop Chaput's arrival in Philadelphia. The initial meetings of this association took place long before the announcement of Archbishop Chaput's appointment.
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Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Aug. 22, 2011 5:13 PM ET USA
This association sounds an awful lot like a union. Priests work in the Lord's vineyard and no unions are needed, at least no where Abp. Chaput is concerned. The priests might be better advised to meet with the archbishop first and not make him think they're doing it in response to his being named the new cleric in charge.
