Sanibel Parishioners Said They're Banned from Supporting Priest

By Levi Ismail
NBC 2
February 16, 2017

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/34515602/sanibel-parishioners-said-theyre-banned-from-supporting-priest

[with video]

Parishioners at St. Isabel's Church on Sanibel said they're being denied permission to hold services for their former priest.

In just the past week, parishioners held services to pray for Father Christopher Senk, who is still on paid administrative leave. Senk was investigated for more than two years for allegedly financially exploiting parishioner, Marion McIntyre.

The State Attorney's office concluded that there was not enough evidence of wrongdoing to press charges against Senk.

According to the Diocese of Venice in Florida, a timeline for a resolution of this matter will be determined by the Apostolic See in Rome.

Parishioners said only after they began prayers for Senk at church, were they told they couldn't use church property.

Beverly Warren and her husband Jeff were as close to McIntyre. They watched Marion and her then husband tie the knot, with Senk presiding.

"Marion's orientation was absolutely perfect," said Jeff Warren.

Beverly Warren recalled being there the last day before Marion was taken away by her family to seek treatment for her failing faculties. Warren said Marion was of sound mind and body that day and the days she allegedly gave Senk any gifts.

Marion's described as a giving person, but allegations that Senk took advantage of that trust was hard for most to comprehend.

"We simply couldn't believe the allegations and knew they were false," said Warren.

Warren helped to organize the first prayer services like these that are now out of the question at St. Isabel's.

"They've taken our pastor from us for no reason at all, and we're fighting that,” said Lori Schulz. “But we're not going to let them run us away from our church.”

Thursday, parishioners plan to hold yet another service, with permission or without.

“We've decided it is our church. It belongs to us," Warren added.