Trial Date Set for Bishop Finn
As I reported here and here, Bishop Finn, previously best known for his Opus Dei vision for the Church and society, had constructive knowledge of improper touching of young girls and possession of child pornography by Father Shawn Ratigan, who also faces criminal charges. Missouri State Law makes it a misdemeanor crime not to report such behavior. If convicted, Finn faces up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine; the diocese only faces a fine of $5,000. Bishop Finn avoided similar charges in nearby Clay County, Missouri by agreeing to government oversight of all pedophilia investigations for the next five years. The controversial Opus Dei prelate and Father Ratigan have been receiving legal help from the ultra-conservative, Opus Bono Sacerdotii (OBS), an organization with strong ties to Opus Dei member Thomas Monaghan, William Donohue and several prominent Catholic neocons. As I have previously reported, any setback for Finn (especially resignation) would remove a high-profile social conservative voice in a Mid-Western bastion of liberal thought.
The National Catholic Reporter has noted that several potential pre-trial motion and hearings have been calendared well before the trial.
Trial Date Set for Bishop Finn | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
Trial Date Set for Bishop Finn | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
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