By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Catholics in the Diocese of Madison, Wisconsin are being warned not to read a book written by a suspended priest detailing the secret proceedings of a church tribunal. Madison Bishop Robert C. Morlino says those who read it could be committing a “canonical crime.”
The book entitled, Pick a Number: Stories of Faith, was written by Fr. Gerald Vosen, a priest who was suspended after abuse allegations were made against him in 2003. One chapter in the book details proceedings of the tribunal held about the allegations that are under “Pontifical secret” for the protection of both Fr. Vosen and other people involved in them.
Bishop Morlino issued a letter to the people of the diocese asking those who own the book to destroy or return it.
“Baptized Catholics or those who have made a profession of faith who purchase Fr. Vosen’s book are at risk of participating in this breach of the Pontifical Secret,” Morlino writes in the statement which was published in the diocesan newspaper and sent to all parishes, priests and leading church members in the diocese
Catholics who purchased the book before the bishop’s announcement or without knowing the book breached church secrecy are not liable for any wrongdoing under church law, Morlino wrote. However, “Once informed, continued support of Fr. Vosen’s book may result in a canonical crime being declared on the individual involved,” the statement continues.
In Chapter 51 of the book, Fr. Vosen describes his thoughts and feelings during church officials’ examination of abuse allegations he claims are unfounded. A church body ruled against him and Vosen is now awaiting a response after appealing his case to the Catholic hierarchy in Rome.
Speaking from his home in rural Wisconsin, Fr. Vosen told the Baraboo News Republic that he was surprised by the action Bishop Morlino took against the book.
“I’m surprised to the degree he reacted,” Vosen said. “We did remove the book from the books stores and we are not planning any more promotions or book signings.”
Brent King, a diocesan spokesman, played down the seriousness of the term “canonical crime.”
“It’s more of an announcement so everybody knows how serious it is because secrecy was broken,” King said. “It’s basically a warning, you don’t want to be part of that so remove yourself from any situation. It’s no threat to anybody, it’s making everybody aware.”
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