Monday, July 03, 2006

What's Good for the Gander is Good for the Goose

The Kennebec Journal is reporting that Bishop Malone was removed a lay woman from ministry. The woman was served as a parish organist for 40 years was removed following an allegation of sexual misconduct which is claimed to have taken place 30 years ago.

While the removal may seem unfair, at least the diocese is holding it's lay staff to the same rules as the clergy. Basically, you are accused and you are automatically removed.

"The family of a longtime organist for the Parish of the Holy Spirit on Sunday blasted Maine's Roman Catholic Church as arrogant and unjust in dismissing their mother of her church duties for allegedly having inappropriate sexual contact with a minor about 30 years ago.

The Roman Catholic Church of Portland announced Saturday that Toni Breton, a Waterville resident, would no longer be allowed to function in a ministerial role in the church after determining the charges against her by a person the church has declined to identify.

In a letter to parishioners, Bishop Richard J. Malone wrote that "I find that claims of improper sexual acts with a minor have been substantiated.""

Read the rest of the article here

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