A 42 year old pastor of a parish in Scranton USA diocese was caught in a 'sting' operation trying to meet up with two 15 year old boys for 'recreational' purposes which he specified in sickening detail. This man has admitted 'acting unwisely' and has been arrested and bailed. Any reference to him on the diocesan website disappeared very quickly. Not only is he a parish pastor, he also substitutes in the local high school as a theology teacher and runs a club called the 'God Squad' exclusively for teenage boys (is this even legal in these days of gender equality?) along with a male teacher from the school whose activities include taking the male teenage students for meals and trips. I should also say that his simpering and effeminate manner would certainly have aroused my suspicions and I cannot imagine putting a teenage boy into his care without some hesitation at least. He is also a graduate of the North American College in Rome notorious for its homosexual culture and rumours of Friday night orgies. The diocese has on its staff a 'Child Protection/Victim Assistance' Department staffed by no less than four full time staff (would someone tell me what they do all day for their collective hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries?). The senior staffer is a young lady who looks about 15 and who will no doubt now be pushed under the nearest bus by the dubious Bishop Bambera (known to his priests as 'Bambi'). You will be happy to know that a recent audit of the department has certified them as being 'fully compliant' ! WHEN ON EARTH IS THIS GOING TO STOP? As someone said, 'Can't we at the very least expect them to keep their hands out of kids' pants? Here's the video: Catch #2 CHILD PREDATOR PRIEST ATTACKS then turns himself in! Pastor Gregory Loughney! - YouTube
All kinds of alarm bells are going off. I think Scranton might be one of those places....... I am familiar with another priest from there. So sad.
Another thing that occurs to me about this particular situation is that the head of the 'Protection' staff's only qualification is in Counselling (she is a young woman who looks as though she is probably in her first job). Surely counselling comes AFTER an unfortunate situation when what is required is effective PREVENTATIVE action such as might be provided by an experienced and hardened investigator in such cases who might be able to recognise, and warn of, signs such as those provided by this priest's demeanour and his obvious and unhidden interest in socialising with boys from the Catholic high school.
This is so sad. My own priest is under investigation for "abuse of a minor." He's been at my church for 8 years and has been a blessing. But since this stuff has to be taken seriously, he has been removed and is under investigation. We have a "Parish Administrator," and other priests are filling in for confession and Mass. But it just isn't the same. I feel quite vulnerable over this. Like we're a flock of sheep without a regular shepherd. I can only pray that this ends soon and we get a priest appointed for regular duty.
At least it didn't involve boys this time. Paris archbishop offers resignation after scandal: Last Week in the Church with John Allen Jr. - YouTube
