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  March Held in Support of Bishop Finn

Fox 4
June 19, 2011

http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-march-held-in-support-of-bishop-finn-20110619,0,7513730.story

[with video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo— A group showed support for the Catholic church amidst a sex scandal that seems to be dividing the church. About 75 people gathered to pay and show support for Bishop Robert Finn. Many said they're praying for unity.

"The situation we face right now affects everyone in the Catholic community but of course it goes beyond that," said Bob Roper who supports Bishop Finn.

The situation involves a young girl and her family filing a federal lawsuit. The suit accuses priest Shawn Ratigan of sexual abuse. The suit also claims the bishop and the Diocese of Kansas City- St. Joseph knowingly covered up claims against the priest for years. Still, Catholics believe Bishop Finn is the right man for the job.

"Bishop Finn is the right Bishop," Roper said. "Can things be done different in the future? Well of course. He announced a five point plan he's bringing in external people to make sure that whatever can be done better next time will occur. He knows he's not able to do that himself."

Another supporter of the Bishop agrees.

"I don't think he would want to misguide any of us and that is the main purpose follow our shepherd," said supporter Loretta Hernandez.

The executive director of SNAP, The Survivor's Network of Those Abused by Priests says Saturday's march seems insensitive to victims and their families.

"All we are asking is that if you support Bishop Finn is to do it quietly," said SNAP director David Clohessy. "Do it privately. Don't make a huge public spectacle that will basically intimidate other victims and witnesses into staying silent."

People here say that is not their intent.

One thing both sides agree on is that the need to stop sex abuse.

 
 

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