The bishops of France invite to “reconsider” the promotion of a priest sentenced to rape

• The Conference of Bishops of France claims this Sunday that the Archbishop of Toulouse returns to his decision to promote a priest sentenced for rape.
• “Such an appointment to such an important position (…) can only rekindle wounds, awaken suspicion and disconcert the people of God,” justifies the organization.

– Bishops france invite "reconsider" promotion new

They ask to be heard. Moreover, This Sunday. Nevertheless, August 10, the bishops of France want the Archbishop of Toulouse to return to his decision to promote a priest sentenced to rape on a minor in 2006. In addition, At the beginning of June the archbishop appointed to the post of Chancellor the priest Dominique Spina. sentenced in bishops france invite “reconsider” promotion new 2006 to five years in prison, one of which was suspended for the rape of a 16 -year -old high school student in 1993.

“We have started a constructive dialogue with Mgr Guy de Kerimel. Archbishop of Toulouse, inviting him to reconsider the decision he had taken about the appointment of the chancellor of his diocese”indicates today the presidency of the Conference of Bishops of France in a press release. “Indeed. such an appointment to such an important position, canonically and symbolically, can only rekindle wounds, awaken suspicion and disconcert the people of God”underlines the organization.

“Unacceptable” for victims collectives

To justify this appointment. the archbishop explained that he “Take the side of mercy” To name this priest to whom he has “Nothing to reproach” in a “Administrative function” (The Chancellor establishes administrative acts and has a advice role, editor’s note).

But this decision aroused misunderstanding. In response. several collectives of victims of Catholic establishments of which Notre-Dame de Betharram have expressed their “anger” Faced with a situation “unacceptable”.

“We have learned to look at these facts first from the point of view of people who have been the victims and who suffer the consequences with length of life. This displacement of the gaze. listening overwhelming bishops france invite “reconsider” promotion new their distress and pain, the welcome of their invitation to humbly pursue a path of truth, have started, for our ecclesial institution, a long and demanding work of conversion, which we are resolved to continue”says the Conference of Bishops of France (CEF), chaired by Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille.