Bishop Swing Speaks

The madness is at T19. Just don't read the comments.

So at this point, here's where the story is:

1. The priest in question started predation while under the supervision of his brother, who is presently the Bishop of PA, and while their mutual father was a Bishop.

2. The priest was caught (?) and deposed after trial by the Bishop of Los Angeles at the time. No criminal charges were filed, probably for the sake of the victim.

3. The priest was restored to ministry under a Canon no longer in force, having not caused any trouble for three years.

4. The priest was called to a parish in the Diocese of California. No one bothered to notify the Diocese of certain important facts. I still can't understand that. The parish Search Committee somehow missed the fact that the priest had been deposed a few years before, suggesting that someone broke a key Commandment of the Decalogue.

5. The priest seems to have cleaned up his life in those three years. At least, no one complains of him now.

6. In 1993, someone finally brings this issue to the attention of California. California tries some form of restorative justice in consultation with the only known victim. Someone accuses the priest of further offenses in the past.

7. +Swing says that it's Los Angeles's problem. Can three clergy or seven laity in my Diocese be found to bring further charges? Is it worth it at this point? Is it Christian?

God save the Fathers for their vigilance:

If any Priest shall defile his lips, he shall not be deposed and instead be forbidden to assist at the Eucharist but take Communion with the order of Priests. If he shall offend more deeply [in this manner], he shall receive a greater penalty in proportion to his offense. (Paraphrase of an ancient canon).