My understanding is that the shooting incident at Conception Abby had to do with a matter that was completely unrelated to the “sex scandal.”
Priest shares thoughts on church scandals
Natasha Stevenson
6/27/02
Editor’s note: Collegio reporter Natasha Stevenson submitted to Father McElwee of the PSU Newman Center and Sacred Heart Church of Frontenac a list of questions associated with the Catholic Church, including the legal turmoil concerning pedophilia and the recent shooting incident at Conception Abbey in Missouri. The questions and his answers appear below.
What are your thoughts on the sex scandals in the Church, and how do you respond to your parish, media, and others who condemn the Church?
A small number of priests, over a long period of time were involved in criminal and sinful behavior that hurt many young men and boys. There is no excuse for this. Further, some of the church hierarchy did not punish or remove these men from their priestly duties. There is no excuse for this either. The behavior of a few priests has damaged the entire church and that is too bad, but the mess needed to be cleaned up. The sooner the better.
Do you think all Catholic priests now have a negative stereotype due to the priests that have been in the public eye? How should other priests combat that stereotype and what do you think people now think of priests?
We must continue to do our jobs and accept the rightful negative publicity that has resulted from cover ups and secrecy.
Do you think the problems of molestation is a larger problem in society and religion in general or is it just a problem with the Catholic Church?
Obviously the problem is much larger than just the Catholic Church. In our case the problem almost always involves grown men and young boys. Sexual misconduct is a universal problem in all times and all cultures, and in all religions.
Do you feel like the faith of your parish has been damaged because of this problem?
Yes. There is no doubt that confidence in the Church has been damaged.
What policies do you feel should be implemented for the offenders in the priesthood?
They should be removed from the priesthood and turned over to civil authorities for punishment.
How do you think the shooting incident at Conception Abbey affects the Catholic Church especially in light of the sex scandals?
My understanding is that the shooting incident at Conception Abby had to do with a matter that was completely unrelated to the “sex scandal.”
Bishop Boland issued a statement to pray for the shooter and his family. What do you think about this? Why do they need prayers?
We all need prayers all the time.
How did the shooting affect you as a priest?
It had no effect on me in terms of priestly duties.
Are you concerned for your safety?
Absolutely not.
Why or why not?
When you are as old as I am you are bound to die of something pretty soon anyway.
Source: http://media.www.psucollegio.com