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------- From the Twilight Zone to the Land of Oz -------

by Mary Ann Kreitzer, President of Les Femmes, the Women of Truth www.lesfemmes-thetruth.org

***Update on Fr. Robert Altier: For this item we’re moving from the Twilight Zone to the Land of Oz where Bishop Harry Flynn’s Communications Director, Dennis McGrath, plays the wizard. Poor Mr. McG keeps trying to manipulate the bells and whistles to make Fr. Robert Altier’s persecution look like a balloon ride at the fair. [Recap: Bishop Flynn ordered Fr. Altier to remove his homilies from www.desertvoice.org and cancel his program on Relevant Radio for speaking out against VIRTUS and Talking About Touching. Two months later the bishop transferred Father to a small nursing home as assistant chaplain. The previous chaplain was later reassigned by his religious order.] McGrath lobbed the latest salvo responding to an article by Ken Fisher of Concerned Roman Catholics of America (CRCOA). Puffing up in true wizard style, [Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!] he thundered at Ken for misrepresenting the facts in a way “comparable to ‘urban myths.’” He also attacked Fr. Altier saying he “frequently and inappropriately (if not disobediently) criticized the archbishop and arch-diocesan leaders (and not simply on the VIRTUS child protection/education program).” This indictment of a good priest, all smoke, mirrors, and hot air angered local Catholics. One, Elizabeth Schwab, posted an article at SperoForum.com challenging McGrath’s “facts.” She described a February principals’ meeting where Sr. Fran Donnelly, head of the diocese’s child protection office, announced that Vicar General Fr. Kevin McDonough was “getting out a two-by-four” for priests who speak out against the (so-called) “safe environment” program. [Father was silenced shortly after that meeting.]

***Fr. Altier responds: The calm eye of the storm in all this controversy has been Fr. Altier who immediately and silently obeyed every unjust order of the bishop. But McGrath’s letter forced a reply. In a letter released to the press by CRCOA, Fr. Altier writes, “I have never, to my recollection, made public statements that are critical of the Archbishop and I have never been disobedient to anything he has ever asked…. We have a right and, at times, an obligation to make judgments on actions, including decisions. To criticize such actions or decisions does not constitute criticism of the person per se. I have made a promise of respect and obedience to the Archbishop and I have maintained this promise. To disagree with a decision is neither an act of disrespect for the person of the Archbishop nor is it an act of disobedience. These charges made in your letter are not only fabrications…but they constitute slander and calumny…. I am requesting that you either produce some evidence to back up your remarks or ‘strive to correct the record’ by recanting these statements.

“Considering your position as the Director of Communications for the Archdiocese, and considering that you make it clear at the beginning of your letter that you are acting in that capacity, your statements have to be taken not as personal opinion, but as the official position of the Archdiocese…. Trusting in your desire to correct the record and uphold only the highest standards of ethics and truth, I will look forward to your rectification of this unfortunate situation.” There is a long paper trail on this case. Read more about it at www.desertvoice.org.