I had been of the opinion that Fr. Thomas Euteneuer had been the victim of skulduggery aimed at silencing him, and that's the reason for his sudden disappearance from public like and ministry.
That proves not to be the case.
Fr. Euteneuer has issued a public statement admitting to offenses against chastity with one person, of a heterosexual nature, not involving intercourse or minors.
He has rightly been removed from public ministry. It is unclear whether this involves an act or acts committed in the course of his ministry. If it does, the seriousness of this matter increases greatly. However, Fr. Euteneuer is obeying his ordinary, and is expressing contrition for his actions. (Unlike another famous priest, who blames the church for his lack of chastity and sees no reason for contrition. Yes Fr. Cutie, I'm talking about you.)
Hopefully, wit his issue of a public statement, approved by his ordinary, the rampant speculation and character assassination will stop: He has done enough besmirching of his character with his own actions that it's not needed.
Fr. Euteneuer fought the Devil, and the Devil won. Since I spent many, many years fighting God at the Devils side, I can't be too condemnatory--rather, I must pray for him and consider that God has Forgiven me as much, and more.
However, I must retract my statements, and my opinion, that he was beset by forces and factions within the Church bent on interrupting his ministry and discrediting his person. I must also admit that my lack of trust in my Brothers and Sisters in Christ led me to calumniate persons unknown, based on a narrow minded and suspicious mindset. Since I did this on the 'Net, I consider it a matter that will have to be addressed in Confession. This is because, with out a doubt, I have sown discord and division in the Body of Christ, where there was no offense or action to condemn.
Please pray for me that I will become more charitable.
4 comments:
Prayers you will have, Redneck!
Red, cut yourself some slack for being human. I'm not condoning your assessment of Father or his peers but I know by your writings that you love our church and it's people and you weren't trying to tear anyone apart.
Besides if you've sinned it doesn't make you necessarly a bad person but a sinner like the rest of us.
You're human and likely to screw up. Who'd a thunk it?
Thank you all, for your understanding. It makes me feel...better about things.
However, one of the things I do not like about the Catholic blogospshere, is the tendency to never admit that one is wrong, or to retract things that either facts, or Catholic morality and spirituality do not support. So I had to post a retraction, and admit that I had offended against the truth. I can't do anything else.
And I trust in the Mercy of the Lord.
At least, when Saturday comes by, Father will hear something he hasn't heard to the point of ennui before!
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