Comments on: Breaking News: Archdiocese of Chicago to Pfleger – "Step Away" From the Pulpit

By: 4wrdthnkndad

4wrdthnkndad — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:01:14 +0000

It appears Fr. Pfleger is well rested and ready to return for duty.

By: Foxfier

Foxfier — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:59:31 +0000

I tend to be of the “kill the perverted bastards” line, but that is my inner paladin speaking– not a good Christian of any flavor.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:17:43 +0000

I would also say the same of any Evangelical pastor (we not defrock, we fire) who is found guilty of molesting a child as well.

By: Shane Vander Hart

Shane Vander Hart — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:47:33 +0000

Thanks for the insight. I was basing from my experience in Evangelical churches since I don’t have a Catholic background.

Sktr – I know much more needs to be done, but I believe that most Dioceses are addressing that problem. The suspension is rather light – only two weeks and really less severe than re-assigning child molesting priests.

I am with you though. If a priest molests a child he needs to be defrocked and handed over to the authorities.

By: Foxfier

Foxfier — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:44:59 +0000

Oh, yes, please let’s drag up THAT dead horse. Heaven knows no-one has done anything about that.

By: Sktr

Sktr — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 03:07:06 +0000

Hmmmm lets see…the suspend Father Pfleger but the re-assign child molesting priests.

By: Foxfier

Foxfier — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 02:00:56 +0000

Saying that Fr. Vanecko will be the “temporary administrator” means that he’ll be doing all the other priestly duties, not just preaching– organize when Absolution will be available, that kind of thing; he’ll probably have to call on other priests–maybe even invite someone out of retirement.

In every parish I’ve been in, this is standard if the priest is going to be gone for even one Sunday–I’ve never been a regular at a parish with daily Mass, so it may apply even if the head guy must miss *one* Mass.

That said…I hope they reassign this guy; he’s been…troublesome for quite a while.

As for removing him entirely from the Priesthood– it would take a LOT more than acting like an utter idiot. Defrocking don’t come easy.
http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2006/0602fea1.asp
covers the kind of steps it would take–and the final part of it is why this guy hasn’t been delt with more harshly before.