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Priest files restraining order against deacon, sues bishop following dismissal October 15, 2009

A priest of the Diocese of Reno has filed suit against his bishop following his dismissal as pastor of Our Lady of Tahoe Church in Zephyr Cove, Nevada.

Father Richard DeMolen had filed a temporary restraining order against a deacon to whom he attributed a unsigned note. The note called Father DeMolen a “child-molesting pervert,” asked him to leave the parish, and contained a veiled death threat.

Bishop Randolph Calvo then ordered Father DeMolen to withdraw the restraining order and dismissed him from his pastorate.

Despite the reference to child molestation, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests sided with Father DeMolen. “Sadly, both priests and parishioners in the Church are often essentially powerless, while bishops seemingly possess limitless power,” said David Clohessy, SNAP’s national director, who added he was not aware of the particulars of the case.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• Priest sues Reno diocese after dismissal by bishop (Reno Gazette Journal)
• Our Lady of Tahoe Church

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• Posted by: Anselm - Oct. 15, 2009 11:04 PM ET USA

  So much for mercy and understanding Adamah. No proof or evidence has been brought forth against Fr. DeMolen. Remember the words of Christ, we are not to judge...

• Posted by: adamah - Oct. 15, 2009 12:45 PM ET USA

  Gotta love it when priests live out the promises they made at their ordinations. Fr. DeMolen should be laicized.