Oct 13, 2006 5:15 pm US/Eastern
Cardinal Egan Under Fire By Priests' Group
by John Slattery
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
An unspecified number of anonymous priests are circulating an explosive letter calling for a vote of "no confidence" on the leadership of New York's Catholic Archbishop, Edward M. Egan.
As Cardinal Edward Egan approaches retirement age, a group of priests calling themselves "A Committee of Concerned Clergy," want him out.
The story, broken by the Journal News, quotes the group which has circulated a harshly worded, but anonymous letter, saying: "During the last six years, the Cardinal's relations with the priests of New York have been defined by dishonesty, deception, disinterest and disregard...Far too many of our brothers can speak personally of the arrogant and cavalier manner in which they have been treated by the Cardinal."
"He's unpopular with a good number of priests," said Gary Stern, religion editor of the Journal News. He said it's not known how many priests are behind the letter. Stern said it could be many, or a few, or one priest, and added, "I think the reason the letter has an impact is that it raises concerns charged by a good number of priests across the archdiocese."
Other priests contacted by CBS-2 News says the sentiments contained in the letter reflect the feelings of a broad base of New York priests, most all of whom are fearful to speak publicly.
Upon his 75th birthday, April 2, 2007, Egan must submit a letter of resignation that the Pope can accept or reject.
At Manhattan's Cathedral of St. Patrick on Friday, some churchgoers found nothing wrong with Egan. One man said, "I don't have negatives about him." And an elderly Connecticut woman who said she was familiar with Egan from his time as the bishop of Bridgeport said, "We like him very much. He's a nice man."
The letter circulated among the clergy claims Egan has focused on financial concerns at the expense of the spiritual needs of priests and the laity, and that Egan demonstrates an "unnatural fear of the media." Egan's spokesman says the cardinal has called a meeting of his Priests' Council, an advisory group, for next Monday.
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