KOMO
December 1, 2010
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/111165489.html
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SEATTLE -- There's a new leader of the Catholic church in Western Washington.
Peter Sartain was installed as the new archbishop at St. James Cathedral on Wednesday.
A very diverse mass gathered to celebrate Sartain's installation as the new archbishop for the Diocese of Seattle.
People offered prayers in seven languages for their new religious leader. Pope Benedict sent the official letter appointing Sartain as archbishop for inspection, and Sartain accepted it.
"I resolve to serve faithfully the spiritual needs of this local church," he said, setting off a thunderous applause that went on for two minutes. (Watch his full sermon)
Parishioner Julia Fogassy said the occasion left her feeling "very, very hopeful."
"I've been in this diocese my whole life, and I think this is a great moment," she said.
But some others don't agree. The leader of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, says the group wants Sartain to explain what happened in Illinois.
John Shuster says Sartain ordained a new priest whom he knew to have a history with pornography. That priest, Alejandro Flores, was later charged and pleaded guilty to sexual assault.
"We want Archbishop Sartain to publicly explain why he ordained Father Flores," said Shuster.
The Catholic Diocese of Washington has paid out millions of dollars the past two decades involving hundreds of victims of sexual abuse by priests.
"I think that our retired bishop did a very good job, but this new one will bring in even more information to conquer it," said parishioner Kristin Fujii.
Sartain prayed with those gathered that he will be a good shepherd for them.
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