Fr. Maciel Accusations

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Some of you have been asking me to comment on Ed Peters' reflection on Fr. Maciel's penance. As usual, I agree with Ed on some things but disagree with him on others. That being said, my perspective is going to be coloured.

Although I was never formally involved in the case, some of Fr. Maciel's more recent accusers approached me a few years ago for canonical advice. I heard their stories and I offered what canonical advice I could at the time.

I won't deny this experience shook my faith in the Church. I thank God for His sustaining grace during this time.

Yet there's an old expression in canon law that the petitioner's case seems overwhelming until the respondent opens his mouth. I never spoke to Fr. Maciel for his side of the story. Nor was I appointed to adjudicate this case.

Therefore, I don't feel that it would be appropriate to engage Ed in a public debate. I would, however, ask everyone to please keep both Fr. Maciel and his alleged victims, whose stories I found believable, in prayer.

1 Comment

I have a great deal of respect for both Ed and you. I have always thought your counterpoints when you responded to some things he has written are more co-operative that "adversarial". Both of you seek the truth in what I find to be a fascinating part of the Church. Wish that were more prevalent throughout the Body of Christ.

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This page contains a single entry by Pete Vere published on May 19, 2006 5:12 PM.

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