Catholic bishop resigns, admits he has 2 kids

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45871047/ns/us_news-life/

VATICAN CITY — An assistant bishop of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Los Angeles has resigned because he has a secret family, including two teenage children.

The Vatican said on Wednesday that Pope Benedict had accepted the resignation of Gabino Zavala, an auxiliary bishop of the diocese which has been plagued by sexual scandals.

In the letter, a draft of which was obtained from a Catholic Church source in Rome, Gomez said Zavala, 60, had informed him in early December that he was the father of two teenage children who live with their mother in another state.

"The Archdiocese has reached out to the mother and children to provide spiritual care as well as funding to assist the children with college costs. The family's identity is not known to the public, and I wish to respect their right to privacy," the letter says.

[hedgehog]

1. Since he was President of Pax Christi, I have the feeling that

this man may have been one of the good ones. I hope he has money set aside for his retirement. If we're lucky, he won't go quietly into the night!

[Occulus]

2. The fact that *having* children is a cause for resignation

does not reflect well on the employer, now, does it?

[frazzled]

3. But the Church has just allowed married priests (sort of)!

They're luring in (homophobic, mysoginist) Episcopalians. Heard this on the radio yesterday. Here's an article:

American Episcopalians upset with their denomination’s acceptance of gay and female clergy can now convert to the Roman Catholic Church while keeping many cherished traditions in a special new U.S. diocese that was established on Sunday (Jan. 1) by Pope Benedict XVI. ...

This new structure grew out of a controversial 2009 effort by Pope Benedict to convince conservative Anglicans to align with Rome under an exemption that allows Anglican priests, laity, and even entire congregations to convert while keeping their prized music and prayers.

Bishops who convert under the rite will be allowed to function as Catholic priests, but not as bishops. Married Anglican male priests will be able to remain married and serve as Catholic priests, though unmarried priests who join will not be able to marry later without renouncing their priesthood.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/vatican-launches-catholic-home-for-us-episcopalians/2012/01/03/gIQArE1sYP_story.html

[LibDemAlways]

6. These married priests have been around a while. I heard one say

mass in Florida at least 25 years ago. Until now it's been sort of hush hush, but the church is getting pretty desperate to recruit new priests and is apparently now actively courting conservative Episcopalians willing to jump ship.

[Greybnk48]

4. Better that he "Has" 2 kids than he's "Had" 2 kids.

Why would they so readily jettison a Priest/Asst. Bishop for having a family, but habitually protect child molesters for years. Unreal.

[LibDemAlways]

5. Meantime Episcopal bishops can convert to Catholicism and bring their

wives and children along. Granted they may not retain the title of Bishop, but they are welcomed as priests. The Vatican has gone out of its way to court these guys while shaming guys like Zavala. It's ridiculous.