LAFAYETTE (LA)
Lafayette Daily Advertiser
October 1, 2018
Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of the Diocese of Lafayette issued a statement Monday in response to a vow from an anonymous group of Acadiana Catholics to expose “corruption” in the church.
“The Diocese of Lafayette remains firmly committed to its Safe Environment Program for the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. Protocols have been in place since 2002 to make every Church entity in the Diocese a safe place for minors and vulnerable adults. These are openly posted on the Diocesan website,” Deshotel said in an emailed statement.
“The Diocese will not respond to deadlines, bullying and ultimatums issued by any non-Diocesan, anonymous group. I also remind such groups that slander, detraction and defamation of character are mortally sinful. Those who commit them must receive sacramental absolution in Confession and in justice restore the good name of those offended or risk losing everlasting life at the final judgment.”
The group, The Society of Peter Damien, made the letter public Friday on Twitter, after, they said, the bishop hadn’t responded within a week.
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