The latest case of sexual misconduct in the diocese is the fourth since 1992. Is this high for a diocese of less than 100 parishes? It appears so, but given the current direction of pecusa who knows how many of these cases will be investigated in the future. It is shocking and difficult to understand why someone as widely respected as Ed Putnam would be the latest priest to have been accused of and admitted to such acts. His self-published novel, as the Syracuse Post-Standard suggests, may provide a clue. In the novel, which is described as "quite autobiographical," the main character is molested as a Boy Scout by an older Scout.
The zero tolerance comment from the diocese apparently is a shift in policy since it took several years for the diocese to seriously investigate the charges made against Ralph Johnson. This latest case is sad, especially for the victims, but also for Ed Putnam and all those who have loved and respected Ed for his personable nature and by many accounts good ministry of many years.
4 comments:
I am sorry, can you please better explain how and why this is "sad" for the abusive (former) priest? Heart breaking for the victims and community... horrible for his daughters and wife...BUT there is not one person who should feel sorrow for this man who used his authority to take advantage of boys. I am sure you would feel differently if it happened to your son or brother.
Is the last sentence not self-explanatory? Fr. Putnam has had a long and distinguished career of priestly service. I in no way intended to equate the suffering of the victims with the suffering of Fr. Ed, his family, friends and former parishioners (hence the use of the word "especially" about the victims). I would feel differently if it were my son or brother. I would feel differently as well if Putnam were my husband, brother, father, friend, or a beloved priest to me. That was what I was trying to say.
Please do not use Fr. Putnam. Use Mr. Putnam... he has "earned" it.
You're right.
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