Religion

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts) Wed Nov 27, 2019, 01:01 PM Nov 2019

West Virginia bishop calls for predecessor, accused of sex and financial misconduct, to pay $792,000

From the article:

West Virginia’s new bishop Tuesday called for his predecessor, Michael Bransfield, to pay the diocese $792,638, apologize to victims and to the diocese, and lose his place in the diocesan cemetery as part of a restitution package for alleged financial and sexual misconduct that some church experts say is a first for a bishop.
The announcement by Bishop Mark Brennan follows a statement in July by Pope Francis that Bransfield’s replacement should decide how the ousted leader “make personal amends.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/11/26/west-virginia-bishop-calls-predecessor-accused-sex-financial-misconduct-pay-restitution-apologize/

This "making personal amends" can never erase the horror of the abuse, nor can it do anything for the survivors, but neither can prison, or any other social punishment.

8 replies

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West Virginia bishop calls for predecessor, accused of sex and financial misconduct, to pay $792,000 (Original Post) guillaumeb Nov 2019 OP

How does a Bishop have edhopper Nov 2019 #1

I wondered about that as well. guillaumeb Nov 2019 #2

I thought the RC clergy have to give up their edhopper Nov 2019 #3

If a relative gave him money, he could not keep it. guillaumeb Nov 2019 #4

Each diocese is its own little fiefdom Major Nikon Nov 2019 #5

Why isn't the asshole in jail? WVlaserguy Nov 2019 #6

Yes, he is. guillaumeb Nov 2019 #7

What exactly do you mean by this? trotsky Dec 2019 #8

edhopper

(37,528 posts)

1. How does a Bishop have

Reply to guillaumeb (Original post)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 01:38 PM

Nov 2019

almost a million dollars?

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts)

2. I wondered about that as well.

Reply to edhopper (Reply #1)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 01:55 PM

Nov 2019

Perhaps this is in case he inherits money.

edhopper

(37,528 posts)

3. I thought the RC clergy have to give up their

Reply to guillaumeb (Reply #2)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 01:57 PM

Nov 2019

worldly possessions?

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts)

4. If a relative gave him money, he could not keep it.

Reply to edhopper (Reply #3)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 02:10 PM

Nov 2019

Major Nikon

(36,927 posts)

5. Each diocese is its own little fiefdom

Reply to edhopper (Reply #1)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 02:17 PM

Nov 2019

They run their own finances and most of their compensation comes in the form of housing, transportation, household goods, and living expenses. Anything they make on top of that can go straight to the bank.

WVlaserguy

(117 posts)

6. Why isn't the asshole in jail?

Reply to guillaumeb (Original post)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 03:33 PM

Nov 2019

That's all I keep thinking. He's a child molester.

guillaumeb

(42,649 posts)

7. Yes, he is.

Reply to WVlaserguy (Reply #6)

Wed Nov 27, 2019, 10:31 PM

Nov 2019

And yes, he should be in jail.

trotsky

(49,533 posts)

8. What exactly do you mean by this?

Reply to guillaumeb (Original post)

Mon Dec 2, 2019, 09:54 AM

Dec 2019

This "making personal amends" can never erase the horror of the abuse, nor can it do anything for the survivors, but neither can prison, or any other social punishment.

Are you saying we shouldn't bother punishing these monsters?

BTW - paying victims CAN ease their suffering, by allowing them to afford the counseling and treatment they might need.

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