Bishop: Appropriate steps taken

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/volusia/orl-priest2007jan20,0,7549524.story?coll=orl-news-headlines-volusia

 

 Orlando Bishop Thomas Wenski on Thursday defended his decision not totell parishioners that a Deltona priest was removed because of asex-abuse investigation.

The bishop's written statement was a response to a support group forvictims of clergy molestation, which said the bishop deceived thepublic about the Rev. Carlos Bedoya.

 

Bedoya, the pastor at St. Clare Catholic Church, was removed from hispost in November. Parishioners were told it was to deal with "personalissues." But diocesan leaders confirmed last week that the reason wasan investigation into allegations that Bedoya assisted another man, whoperformed a sex act on a 35-year-old man against his will.

"Based on the information provided to me and the presumption ofinnocence, I believe that my actions have been appropriate," the bishopwrote to leaders at the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests."I will take future action based on the outcome of law enforcement'sinvestigation and any other factors uncovered."

Bedoya has notbeen arrested or charged, and the State Attorney's Office is reviewingthe sexual-battery case. A spokeswoman said prosecutors need to speakto more people and continue investigating before a decision is madeabout charges.

SNAP executive director David Clohessy saidFriday that the bishop's letter did not address his group's issues. Inaddition to seeking an apology, they asked the bishop to aggressivelyseek more information from parishioners about the incident and whetherthere are more victims.

"It's what you would expect a king orlord or monarch to do: continue to deny wrongdoing simply because hecan," Clohessy said. "It's precisely the evasive and self-servingarrogant tone that has contributed to this crisis for decades."

Wenski wrote that the diocese offered counseling and assistance to thealleged victim and has cooperated with law enforcement. He did notaddress any specifics of the incident, instead writing about thediocesan policies dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct.

Last week, the chancellor said the alleged victim came forward tochurch officials but would not say whether it was before or after hetold sheriff's investigators on Oct. 17.

Wenski was out of town Friday and could not be reached. His spokeswoman said the diocese had no further comment.

"We now await the work of law enforcement and the State Attorney's Office," Carol Brinati wrote in an e-mail.

Kristen Reed can be reached at kreed@orlandosentinel.com or 386-851-7924.