Return Father Leatherby to active ministry

Fr. Leatherby was our pastor. He was removed weeks before my now-husband entered the Church at Easter vigil and just a few months before we were married. It may seem trivial, but we were robbed of our pastor who should have been allowed to be involved in administering these sacraments. Fr. Leatherby was nothing but respectful and transparent with me as a woman. During marriage prep, he left the door wide open during our one-on-one session, out of respect for us both. I have always tried to respect the privacy of this situation, initially trusting that the radio silence was for a just reason. We moved away from the area, but I would always ask my friends if there was any official news-- not gossip, not speculation--any official news. It's taken years to have any sort of official update on this. And it seems the updates now are only being shared because of the exposure and pleas that have been made by Sacramento Catholic laity. At this time when we as a church are so bloodied, hurt, and betrayed by some of our priests and bishops-- by both their actions and their silence-- it seems that now more than ever, it is time to shine the light on this situation. Further, the allegation that Fr. Leatherby has been removed as an attempt to silence those who who have witnessed and sought to expose wrong-doing by priests in our diocese ought to be fully investigated and explained. I hope, but doubt, that those allegations are taken just as seriously as the allegations against Fr. Leatherby.

Good holy priests are a blessing to the priesthood and badly needed in our current culture. Please due the right thing and return him to your dioceses . We need more priests like Fr. Leatherby. God bless his holy priesthhood.

Father Leatherby needs to be reinstated immediately; the allegations are unfounded and unsubstantiated. It is my understanding that the adult woman recanted her allegations long ago-why then does Fr L continue to be persecuted? There was zero evidence to substantiate the claim from the beginning, and now even the woman herself admits it was a lie. The Leatherby family is well known, as is their wealth. The woman had motive to lie; she was looking for a pay out. Now that she has recanted, there is no reason not to reinstate.

I love Fr. Leatherby! God Speed and protection!

We are converts, baptized, 2003, so we haven't met a lot of priests; but of those we have met, Fr. Jeremy is the most holy and charismatic; and we call fo him to be returned to active ministry. David & Marlene Lukenbill

Please hear our fervent prayers for the return of Fr. Leatherby to the ministry. He helped so many people return to the church.

Father Mark: Father Jeremy Leatherby is the only priest who has ever stood on the altar and told me it is his responsibility to get his parishioners to heaven. His leadership as the shepherd of Presentation is the reason I went from a lukewarm cradle Catholic to the daily communicant I am today because he introduced me to the love of our holy mother, Mary. He is also the reason that I am still faithful today because of the example of faithful obedience he is setting in this unfair persecution and also in light of the current scandals that are hitting our church. He is the one that taught me to put God first and not the priest. Let us contrast his actions with yours and the diocese. You came to our parish, lied to us when you told us Father Leatherby was ill, employees of the diocese have openly stated that Father is guilty without due process and in direct violation of Can. 1717 §2 . We watched a whole year of mercy as declared by Pope Francis go by without any mercy shown in this case. May God's mercy and justice reign down on all of you. In Jesus through Mary.

I have known Fr. Jeremy for many years and have seen him grow into his vocation as a priest. He is the real deal. I have not known a more devoted priest. I am certain the accusations against him are not true. Please reinstate him as soon as possible. The faithful need priests like Father Jeremy!

Please be transparent and reinstate Fr. Leatherby, the church need more holy priests like him! We used to drive miles to attend mass in his parish - Jesus's presence in the bread and wine was truly felt at his mass. Praying for Fr.Leatherby, cannot imagine what he is going through!

Why is it that the holiest and most charismatic priests are attacked? It saddens my heart, but brings the sufferings of Jesus & the saints into a current context. May the Lord have mercy on our diocese and our Church.

Remove shackles from Father Leatherby

Fr Leatherby is s holy man. He has brought so many people back to knowing and loving Our Lord.

I obviously don’t know anything about the allegations regarding Father Leatherby. I do know that his positive impact on the community was unparalleled in my experience with the church. Father Leatherby baptized my wife and son, and also married my wife and I. I have never witnessed a priest with such an amazing ability to relate to his parishioners and inspire people to seek a closer relationship with god. The delays in this case are depriving the world and church of an amazing asset and person.

Please complete the process swiftly and return Father Leatherby to ministry.

Your Excellency, Please return Fr. Jeremy Leatherby to his people. I have know him for over a decade and despite knowing some amazing priests in the 6 states I’ve lived in since then, I still regard him as one of the holiest and most humble. You do a disservice to you diocese.

Dear Lord and Lady, please help restore Father to active ministry. Please help all involved. Soften hard hearts, bring to light the truth and give us a resolution, all to Your Glory, Lord. Take away the pain of our great loss and give us joy again.

Is it true the accuser has moved out of state?

I have known Fr. Jeremy since before he was ordained. He consecrated his priesthood to Our Blessed Mother and took seriously his role as spiritual father to every soul entrusted to his care. His fervent preaching and humble love and reverence for the King of kings brought about a joyous transformation of faith in our parish. We suffer with him and his family at this prolonged injustice. In the end, Truth will triumph. Bishop Soto, please set this son of Mary free to do the work Our Lord has called him to do. Fr. Jeremy Leatherby is faithful to Holy Mother Church and belongs with her children.

One of the best priest I’ ve ever met