BishopAccountability.org
	Hubbard Decides Not to Defrock Abusive Priests Bishop Says Current Policy Provides 'Adequate Protection' By Abigail Bleck WNYT [Albany NY] August 16, 2005 A group that calls itself the Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests ( SNAP) is demanding the Vatican -- not the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany -- determine the future of local priests accused of sexual misconduct. Eighteen priests have been removed from ministry in the Capital Region. They aren't allowed to be active in the Church but will receive pensions and health insurance benefits until they die. That's not the case in other parts of the country. The laicization process utilized by other dioceses completely secularizes a priest found guilty of abuse, taking away all ecclesiastic control and benefits. In other words he would no longer be a priest. The Albany Diocese calls its discipline measure one step below laicization. It removes offending priests from Church service requiring them to live a withdrawn life of penance and, says Bishop Howard Hubbard, is "adequate protection for the community." "I am appalled and shocked and saddened by the whole thing," said Mark Furnish, a local spokesman for SNAP. Furnish is urging Hubbard to reconsider and retract the Albany Diocese's current policy, saying stricter measures would send a stronger message. "I'm concerned for myself because it hurts me as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, but I'm really concerned for the kids of the diocese who is protecting them," Furnish said. While Hubbard has decided not to automatically seek the laicization of guilty priests he does retain the right to do so should the circumstances warrant it. A spokesman for the bishop actually said Tuesday that by not laicizing an abusive priest it actually keeps him subject to the church's authority -- otherwise he could just slip away and not be held responsible.