Bishops of France ask Archbishop to reconsider decision to appoint a priest sentenced for violation

The bishops of France have asked the archbishop of Toulouse, Mons. Guy de Kerimel, to reconsider his decision to appoint a chancellor to a priest sentenced in 2006 to five years in prison, for the violation of a 16 -year -old teenager.

“We have filed a constructive dialogue with Mons. Guy de Kerimel, Archbishop of Toulouse, inviting him to reconsider the decision he had made about the appointment of the chancellor of his diocese,” says the communication of the French bishops, published on their website dated August 10.

“Indeed, an appointment of such importance, both canonically and symbolically, can only rekindle wounds, arouse suspicion and disconcert the people of God,” add the prelates.

The controversial appointment

At the beginning of June this year, Mons. De Kerimel appointed Fr. Dominique Spina as chancellor and episcopal delegate for marriages, with effect as of September 1; An appointment that generated a wave of criticism, of which the French bishops have echoed now.

De Kerimel defended his controversial decision in a statement to the agency France-Presse (AFP), stating that he had “opted for mercy” with Fr. Spina.

“It is true that Father Spina fulfilled a five -year prison sentence, including a suspended year, for very serious acts that took place almost 30 years ago,” specifically in 1993, said the archbishop, Le Monde reported.

The Prelate also said that now the ecclesiastical authorities “have nothing to reproach this priest in the last 30 years.”

“The path of truth” before the abuses in the church

In their statement on August 10, the bishops of France recalled that “our Church, for several years, has lasted the path of truth in the painful question of the abuses committed within its bosom. It is very important to continue this work in all areas of ecclesiastical life.”

“Little by little,” they added, “we have learned to look at these facts from the point of view of people who have been victims and suffer from the consequences throughout their lives.”

The statement also highlights that “this change of perspective, the moving listens to their anguish and pain, the acceptance of their invitation to humbly follow with them a real path, have initiated, for our ecclesial institution, a long and demanding work of conversion, which we are determined to continue.”

The bishops of France also announced that their presidency will make a Holy Land visit from August 16 to 20 “to express the support of our Church” before the war between Israel and Hamas.