From another priest in the Diocese of Central NY:
Here is my own summary of the situation:
1. Fr. David Bollinger’s predecessor at St. Paul’s Owego allegedly sexually abused at least one child, maybe more.
2. The matter came to Fr. B’s attention three years ago and he brought it to the bishop’s attention’
3. Allegedly unsatisfied with the diocesan response Fr. Bollinger sought outside help and this made the issue more public than it had been.
4. Apparently, this publicity stirred up trouble for Fr.B both with the parish and the diocese. In the parish those who did not want to harm the former rector began to contact the diocese and complain. The diocese in turn allegedly warned Fr. Bollinger to discontinue his involvement in the matter.
5. The situation escalated and bishop Adams paid a visit, held a parish meeting, and allegedly discredited the accusations against the former rector and denigrated the accuser.
6. At the same time an investigation was launched by the diocese into Fr. Bollinger’s personal retirement accounts and discretionary spending. This investigation apparently came at the behest of those parishioners mentioned above who remained friendly with the former rector and alleged abuser.
7. In the process of this investigation the diocesan controller, Gael S. (mentioned in the letter above), allegedly posed as someone else in order to gain access to Fr. Bollingers accounts. This was caught on tape by the financial institution and handed over to Fr. B’s attourney.
8. The diocese found “irregularities” in Fr. B’s discretionary spending. A finding which the vestry of the parish in question rejects for reasons stated here:
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1331
9. The diocese realized it has a problem and begins to strategize:
http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1333
10. Fr. Bollinger is inhibited.
11. The thing starts to spin out of control…here we are
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