Friends of Justice

From my good friend Gunther Fiek:

Fidel Defensorem: Let Your Walk Be The Talk

A while back I was contacted by supporters of a convicted Catholic priest, Father Joseph Maurizio. Subsequently, I exchanged a few letters with Father Joe.

I do not have the time or resources to vet his case myself. But I have heard enough to believe the conviction is dubious. I know innocent priests who have been sent to prison, so I don’t, like many, assume that all accused Catholic priests are guilty. But there has been so much horrendous publicity that is is nearly impossible for an accused priest to receive a fair trial.

His supporters have set up a web site. I’d be curious to hear what others think.

If you would like to send him a message, that can be done from the web site.

-Bob Chatelle

To the actors who have worked with my father and have voiced regret for doing so: You have rushed to join the chorus of condemnation based on a discredited accusation for fear of not being on the “right” side of a major social movement. But rather than accept the hysteria of Twitter mobs, mindlessly repeating a story examined and discredited 25 years ago, please consider what I have to say. After all, I was there – in the house, in the room – and I know both my father and mother and what each is capable of a whole lot better than you.

To my sister Dylan: Like you, I believe in the power of speaking out. I have broken my silence about the abuse inflicted by our mother. My healing began only after getting away from her. And what she has done to you is unbearable. I wish you peace, and the wisdom to understand that devoting your life to helping our mother destroy our father’s reputation is unlikely to bring you closure in any kind of lasting way.

Finally, to my mother: One thing you always said you appreciated about me was my ability to listen. I listened to you for years and held your truth above all others. You once said to me, “It’s not healthy to hold onto anger.” Yet here we are, 26 years later. I’m guessing your next step will be to launch a campaign to discredit me for speaking out. I know it comes with the territory. And it’s a burden I am willing to bear.

But, after all this time, enough is enough. You and I both know the truth. And it’s time for this retribution to end.

Read the full blog post here.