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Fr. Harold Graf was ordained a priest in 1968 and he has served the Diocese of Phoenix since 1971. For more on appointments, see a brief history at http://www.diocesephoenix.org/...
An incident that occurred 28 years ago, which was handled then, resolved, and which allowed Fr. Graf to be forgiven and continue as a priest, now has been overturned. The rationale is the "charter" adopted in Dallas (see http://www.usccb.org/bishops/c... for the Charter, in particular, Article 5).
Forgiveness is a crucial part of our Catholic faith. Without it, we are doomed. Let God alone stand to judge our sins. What better example, to demostrate our love then in Matthew 25,
where the Lord made this part of his commission to his apostles and disciples when he told them that whenever they showed mercy and compassion to the least ones, they showed it to him.
Can't we show the same for another sinner?
However, since the Dallas meeting, few Bishops have acted, some citing that the "...Vatican might refuse to give its approval, known as a recognitio, to the bishops' charter." And "because if they go ahead and implement the charter and then the recognitio doesn't come, then they'd have to undo what they've done." "There is concern among some Vatican officials and church experts that the American bishops' policy is too punitive, tipping the scales to the point where, these authorities believe, priests are not given the protection they should have from the church. Some critics in the Vatican have chastised the bishops for giving in to secular pressure." (See an article for more on this point http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08... ).
There was some discussion, although brief, in Dallas about providing "...any chance to remain in ministry" for certain priests as well as dissenters to the approval of the charter (see http://www.catholicnews.com/da... ).
The severity of the punishment after 28 years for one mistake is unconscionable. Let us do something to correct this injustice. Please sign this petition as a supporter of reinstating Fr. Harold Graf as a priest.
Our names will be collected and sent to Bishop O'Brien during the month and will continue until Fr. Graf has been reinstated. Appeals will continue, including, if necesary, to the Vatican in Rome and to our Pope John Paul II.
Thank you for your support.
Concerned Catholics for Fr. Harold Graf |
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Concerned Catholics for Fr. Harold Graf |
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