Bishop Finn's status seen as cloud over US bishops' meeting
November 09, 2012
As the American bishops prepare for their annual meeting, David Gibson suggests that a topic which is not on the agenda could overshadow the scheduled discussions: the status of Bishop Robert Finn, who remains in office after his conviction for child-endangerment.
By remaining silent on the issue, critics say the bishops are not only undermining their own policies — Finn heads a diocese yet would not be allowed to teach Sunday school in an American parish under the USCCB’s rules — but they are undermining their credibility and their claims to have learned from the devastating scandal.
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- Posted by: Bernadette - Nov. 11, 2012 6:39 PM ET USA
I have always held Bishop Finn in the highest regard and continue to do so. What happened to him in his diocese is something he will live with forever. Bishop Finn made a tragic mistake, of which he regrets and repents, and which I am certain other bishops now and in the past have likewise made but were not "caught." Maybe that is why there is silence from them on this particular subject: They can see themselves facing the same accusations and they utter "There but for the grace of God go I.
- Posted by: geoffreysmith1 - Nov. 11, 2012 10:51 AM ET USA
"Finn is held to the higher standard than Clinton." Why? Is mismanagement of a diocese a greater sin than adultery?
- Posted by: hartwood01 - Nov. 10, 2012 4:47 PM ET USA
Finn is held to the higher standard than Clinton. The USCCB's actions speak so loudly,I can't hear their words.
- Posted by: geoffreysmith1 - Nov. 10, 2012 12:57 PM ET USA
Bishop Finn has no need to resign. President Clinton committed far worse offenses during his tenure of office but he remained in the White House, in spite of being impeached. If it was OK for Bill, it's OK for Bob.