Should a Catholicpriest Be Removed from Ministry for Past Sexual Misconduct?

WTMJ
January 7, 2016

http://www.wtmj.com/shows/jeff-wagner/should-a-catholicpriest-be-removed-from-ministry-for-past-sexual-misconduct

Roman Catholic priest Bruce Wellems has served as a youth advocate and community organizer in one of Chicago's poorest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Sexual molestation allegations against Fr. Wellems when he was a teenager have raised questions on whether or not he should be allowed to continue his ministry.

The Chicago Tribune reports that when this misconduct surfaced during his time serving in California, Los Angeles' Archbishop removed him instantly. Afterwards, Fr. Wellems returned to Chicago where their archbishop is now trying to determine the best course of action concerning Fr. Wellems' misconduct.

Wellems admits to the allegations, but claims that his past actions do not reflect the person he is today.

"These allegations had nothing to do with who I was as a person," Fr. Wellems says. "In my adult life I've done nothing against children. There's nothing that's ever come up."

What do you think should happen to Fr. Wellems? Should he be allowed to continue his ministry, or should he be defrocked? Jeff Wagner will be discussing the topic in the 12 p.m. hour.

Click here to listen live as it happens.

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