BishopAccountability.org
	Murphy's Popularity with Li Catholics Rises By Bart Jones Newsday April 5, 2008 http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-libish0406,0,184914.story Five years ago, Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre was not a popular man among the faithful, according to at least one poll. Some 43 percent of Catholic respondents on Long Island said they had an "unfavorable" opinion of him, as opposed to 16 percent who had a "favorable" view. But today Murphy's standing has improved, according to a Newsday poll. Some 28 percent of Catholics on Long Island now view him favorably, and 18 percent unfavorably. About 50 percent said they did not know enough about him to offer a view. Among fans of Murphy is Michael Perkowski, 55, who responded to the poll and who is a parishioner at St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Sound Beach. "He hasn't done anything that I consider really controversial," Perkowski said. "I saw him at a confirmation. He was very pleasant, very open. He gave a good sermon. It was realistic." Others were less enthusiastic. "I really don't like him," said Carol Bruno, 65, of Levittown, citing the church sex abuse scandal as one reason. Church observers offer a variety of reasons behind Murphy's surging numbers. The sex abuse scandal, which broke in 2002 nationally and engulfed the Diocese of Rockville Centre for years after, is now fading from the headlines. At the start of the scandal, Murphy's name was mentioned because he was previously a top aide to Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston, where the scandal first broke. "I'm not surprised" Murphy's rating has improved, said Phil Megna, head of Long Island Voice of the Faithful, a group of lay people that has clashed with the bishop. "I think it's reflective of the fact the abuse scandal is out of the news." Others say Murphy has also won points because of steps he has taken to prevent future abuse in the diocese. These include Virtus training now required of all church workers and volunteers to help them spot possible signs of abuse and prevent situations where it might take place. Even some Murphy critics such as church volunteer Edward Thompson Sr. of Farmingdale praise some of the bishop's actions. "I think the diocese has done a fairly good job with Virtus," Thompson said. Still, he added, "I don't think they've addressed the issue. The issue really is secrecy and silence and not bringing in a board of laity" to examine alleged abuse cases. "The secrecy still goes on." Groups of survivors of priest abuse remain scathing in their criticism of Murphy. Tim Eschausse, Long Island coordinator for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, condemned what he said was Murphy's complicity in the church's failure to crack down on priests who were abusing children. "I think history will show he was one of the worst bishops we ever had," Eschausse said. When it comes to the diocese's administration, the poll results offer a paradox. While Murphy's numbers are improving, a majority of Catholics on Long Island still think the church did a poor job of handling the sex abuse scandal. Megna called the findings "contradictory" and emblematic of the complexity of Catholics' views of their church and its leaders. That debate aside, another factor that may be helping Murphy's public image is his personality. Even some critics acknowledge his personal charm. And his sophistication and knowledge, honed during his years posted to Rome, is readily apparent to those who have spent time with him. "He is a very affable guy," said former priest James Claffey, now a community organizer. Supporters say that after a turbulent few years Long Island Catholics are finally getting to know Murphy, a man who some say is strong on social justice issues such as immigration and helping the poor. The Rev. Gerard Gordon, the chaplain at St. Anthony's High School, said he has been Murphy's guest at his residence and seen him as he gets up before dawn each morning to pray for at least an hour in his chapel. Said Gordon: "I think they're starting to see the real person who was there all along."
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