Taken from the page Anthony Saroki
It is with a heavy heart that I take a break from my sabbatical to comment on the shocking news, reported here, https://www.pillarcatholic.com/…/san-diego-chaldean…, of a Vatican and civil investigation into accusations of financial and sexual impropriety by Bishop Emanuel Shaleta.
The journalists at the Pillar have the highest integrity. They do not report rumors. They state that they have reviewed documents supporting these allegations. They confirmed the existence of investigations by the Vatican and the San Diego County Sheriff. They interviewed a retired FBI special agent who has been working as a private investigator on this matter. They gave the accused an opportunity to respond before publication.
I listened to Bishop Shaleta’s defense of himself on the live-stream recording of today’s Mass. He does not respond to the specific allegations. He says he received a cash donation which he distributed to the poor. He spends most of his time trumpeting his record of leadership. I found his statement to be an exercise in misdirection. I do not believe he is telling the truth.
In the past, I have publicly criticized secretive and corrupt activities of bishops, especially in the wake of the Cardinal McCarrick scandal. I am disgusted with it and believe that for the good of the Church, the lay faithful must demand accountability from their leaders. It is my understanding that Church and civil authorities have known about these allegations for nine months. Unfortunately, many in power do not do the right thing unless there is public pressure.
My advice to the whistleblowers is to reveal your names, what you know, and how you know it. You have waited long enough for those with authority to act and they have failed to do so. Many people will not trust anonymous accusations. Bishop Shaleta can provide evidence to rebut the allegations if he has it.
If I were a lay member of the eparchy, I would not give one more penny until there has been a full and transparent resolution of the matter, including a forensic audit by a third party and the establishment of safeguards regarding the receipt and distribution of funds.
My advice to all is to pray, including asking God what you can do to help church leaders be truly accountable. Their souls are endangered by avoiding the just consequences of their actions. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
God bless you
Thank you for speaking out for all the good and faithful priests and nuns that are serving god and helping us with our faith to stay on track to see the face of our lord and savior (Jesus Christ)
We will continue to pray for the church
No matter how numerous the reasons or how varied the accusations are, from here and there, the truth must come to light. After the investigations are complete and the facts are established, a just and fair judgment will be issued for all parties, and rights will be restored to their rightful owners clearly and with conclusive evidence. We cannot wrong anyone or side with anyone except with the truth, for the truth alone sets us free.