ILLINOIS
Patch
Posted by Ben Feldheim (Editor) , December 10, 2013
In the days since it was revealed a former Orland Park priest was accused of sexual misconduct, former congregants have expressed their support of him.
Rev. Michael W. O’Connell, who served at Our Lady of the Woods and St. Michael Parish, stepped aside from his current role as pastor at St. Alphonsus Parish in Chicago, following an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a Chicago-area volunteer organization, released a statement chiding Cardinal Francis George for not taking stronger action against O’Connell.
“There’s an important difference between stepping down and being suspended,” said Barbara Blaine, president of SNAP, in the statement. “Being suspended is more serious. It will better protect kids.”
Blaine also said in the statement that O’Connell should be placed in a treatment center.
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