CALIFORNIA
Ventura County Star
By Tom Kisken
•Posted March 21, 2013
A backlash over Bishop Thomas Curry’s handling of priests accused of molestation has led at least one area parish to change plans to have the bishop preside over the May confirmation of high school students.
The Rev. Jim Stehly, of St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Community in Westlake Village, said he requested Curry not serve at the May 4 event after complaints from parishioners. Curry stepped down from his role as auxiliary leader of a region encompassing Ventura and Santa Barbara counties this year after priest personnel files revealed evidence he and retired Cardinal Roger Mahony acted to shield the church and accused priests.
Some Ventura County priests said they’ve been told Curry decided not to preside at any confirmation services this year. The bishop did not respond to email messages. Officials of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles did not address a request to confirm the reports, only emphasizing that the bishop and the cardinal have the ability to perform such a Mass.
“Cardinal Roger Mahony and Bishop Thomas Curry are bishops of the archdiocese with faculties to celebrate the Holy Sacraments of the Church and to minister to the faithful without restriction,” archdiocese officials said in a statement.
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