Controversy as Florida bishop removes popular priest from parish
July 27, 2010
Bishop Frank Dewane of Venice (Florida) has placed a popular Polish priest on administrative leave for unspecified reasons.
“If you worked at the bank or Naples Daily News and these accusations, these concerns, were brought up against you, your bosses would take action,” said diocesan spokesman Bob Reddy.
Bishop Dewane announced Father Stan Strycharz’s removal at Mass on July 25. “Then people were yelling at the people who were yelling at the bishop,” recounted Reddy, who said 20 people were shouting. “I was shaking at that point.”
Reddy emphasized that Father Strycharz has not been accused of child sexual abuse. “We don’t want to hurt Father Stan’s reputation if some of these things don’t pan out.”
The Naples Daily News article on the priest’s removal includes the remarkable statement that “canon laws prohibit church employees from activities such as drinking alcohol.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Parishioners concerned, Dioceses [sic] tight lipped about removal of popular priest from Bonita Catholic church (Naples Daily News)
- Editorial: St. Leo Catholic Church Hope, ... pray for the best (Naples Daily News)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
