It is unfortunate that the current process for assignments of pastors and priests to parishes continues to hamper efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the Catholic Church. Reports this week in The Boston Globe illustrate how such practices may not be in the best interests of parishioners.

The Globe reported that Fr. Jerome Gillespie, who was alleged to have propositioned a mother and daughter at a restaurant while drunk, is now assisting in parishes on an interim basis. Like most such assignments, this one did not include prior notification to parishioners. As a result, parishioners do not know the results of the court-ordered evaluations of Fr. Gillespie or whether he was required to obtain treatment for his problems before the case was completed.

Such questions are serious ones the Archdiocese must be willing to address in order for community trust to be restored. “Once again the situation raises the issue of how clerical appointments continue to be made without lay consultation and transparency. Without transparency and lay involvement, situations like this will continue to happen,” said Robert Ott, President of the Boston Area Council of Voice of the Faithful.

Press Contacts Boston Area Council of VOTF-Bob Ott (617)549-4818