MEMPHIS (TN)
Commercial Appeal
November 5, 2018
By Ron Maxey
The director of a Memphis-based Catholic organization has sent an open letter to Bishop J. Mark Spalding of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nashville questioning last week’s name release of 13 former priests accused of sexually abusing minors.
Patrick Benedict, a layperson and director of the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, raises various concerns in the letter dated Nov. 5. Among the points raised are the fact that some of the priests were not accused until after they died and therefore had no chance to respond and the omission of any background information about the accusers.
More: Nashville diocese releases names of 13 former priests accused of sexually abusing minors
Benedict said no one should regard his letter to Spalding as in any way questioning the bishop’s sincerity.
“I do hope,” Benedict added, “you will respond to each of the questions raised in this letter.”
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