Scandal In Georgia: Catholic Journalist Under Attack For Asking Too Many Questions

I received this e-mail which was sent out by Barbara Kralis:

Robert Kumpel is a freelance news reporter whose stories have appeared frequently in the alternative Catholic press. He and his wife homeschool their three daughters. Robert has been investigating parishioner claims of an inappropriate relationship between the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Fr. John O’Brien, and his financial secretary. Robert has made no attempt to hide his surveillance of the two. This pastor's inappropriate actions have been cause of scandal for the parishioners and their families.

Barb

Below is the information shared in the body of the e-mail:

Father John O’Brien, the only Catholic priest at the only Catholic Church in Valdosta Georgia, St. John the Evangelist, faces a hearing in Lowndes County Superior Court on January 30th where he will attempt to make permanent a temporary restraining order against investigative reporter Robert Kumpel. Kumpel, who only observed Fr. O’Brien in public places, is currently enjoined from coming within 500 feet of Fr. O’Brien and his parish financial secretary, Carolyn Klemm.

After Kumpel subpoenaed O’Brien's travel records with Klemm, Father John O’Brien made the following statement at all Masses on December 17:

”I have a story to tell. On October the 9th, Carolyn, my secretary and I were at Sam’s buying beer and wine for a staff party. While there, a parishioner saw us. In the days that followed, this person began talking to some other parishioners and made the comment to them and was even quoted in a letter to the bishop that Carolyn and I were wearing matching outfits and engaging in public displays of affection. As a result of this and other gossip, this person showed up at the rectory late at night, about 11:00 on Friday, November the 11th or 10th, knocking on the doors and pounding on the windows with our seminarian, home alone, making comments of various kinds. I was in Ireland at the time and Carolyn did have the use of my car. Early the next morning, around 6 am, this person showed up around Carolyn’s gated community where she lives and was sitting outside her apartment in a car. After this, Carolyn and I were advised to take out two separate restraining orders, which we did. At this time, a response to our restraining orders has been filed and there will be a court hearing on January 30th, 2007. All this is supposedly driven by the idea that there is a scandal between Carolyn and me that needs to be exposed. Let me tell you about the scandal…

“Carolyn has worked for me for over 10 years as my secretary, office director and hostess. Many of you know her personally. Being a priest in a parish of over 1,000 families takes a lot of coordination and a lot of help. Carolyn is the person who makes sure that I am where I am supposed to be when I am supposed to be. She makes sure that I get all your messages. She does my correspondence, she runs the office, etc.. Carolyn cooks for me, both here at the office and at her home. She cooks for visiting priests when they are here. Carolyn has made trips to Savannah with me, when I’ve taken our Gartland award winners, when I’ve taken our 50th anniversary couples and to ordinations of our seminarians. And what she does is she coordinates the dinners that I do on these occasions and the various people who are being honored. Carolyn has been a hostess to my family who has visited from Ireland. They have stayed at her apartment, she traveled with them around Georgia, and has fed them many, many meals. As a result of her hospitality toward them, they have invited her to Ireland and she has gone to Ireland with me on two occasions and plans to go there in the future. She has paid her own way for all these trips.

“It is human nature to gossip and spread rumors. It is not right, but it is human. We are all guilty of it at one time or another. It is definitely much more juicy to say that Carolyn and Father are having an affair than to say she is cooking a dinner for him or typing a homily. It is something we all need to work on and that is what Advent is all about. This is my story. I ask for your support, I ask for your prayers and for prayers for all those involved in this. If you have any questions or comments, give me a call or come by to visit, or give Carolyn a call or come by and see her. Thank you.”

This statement is interesting on several levels:

The most glaring surprise is that Fr. O’Brien does not deny any of the charges, including the public displays of affection and parading in public in matching outfits. Rather than denying his scandalous behavior, he admits to it and attempts to glorify it. He takes no responsibility for his own part in creating the appearance of impropriety and defiantly announces his plans to travel alone with his secretary again. Many parents at the Mass were upset that their children had to listen to this “confession” and covered their children’s ears. Other parishioners were angered that O’Brien was using Sunday Mass as a forum to make his case.

Kumpel, who was present at one of the Masses, says that he noted several inaccuracies in Fr. O’Brien’s statement.

“I never went out talking to other parishioners about what I saw. It was other parishioners who came to me, informing me about this situation and how it has deflated the spirit of this parish for years. When I saw them wearing matching outfits, I did not write the bishop until over a month later and I never told the bishop that I had seen them in public displays of affection — although other parishioners have complained about that. And I never made or published any public accusations against them. The fear of exposure is what caused this overreaction.”

“Fr. O’Brien is trying to obfuscate the issue. He and his secretary are unjustly attempting to strip me of my First Amendment Rights as a reporter. All of my observations of them have taken place in public and I never confronted either party at any time, yet they claim I have molested and threatened them. I am deprived of my right to free exercise of my religion. I cannot take my children to visit the Blessed Sacrament. I cannot attend Knights of Columbus meetings because Fr. O’Brien is present as the chaplain. Meanwhile, the parishioners appear to have every reason to despair that anything will get better, since, as they predicted, the bishop (J. Kevin Boland of Savannah) has not responded to anyone’s complaints and appears not to care. Is Bishop Boland of Savannah comfortable with his priests spending hours after work alone in particular friendships with women because of the need for a cook or because she is the perfect hostess? Can anyone name a Catholic priest or bishop who was canonized as a saint who spent hours alone with women in particular friendships?”

Bishop J. Kevin Boland and Fr. John O’Brien are both natives of County Cork, Ireland.

Bishop Boland of Savannah, Georgia can be reached at (912) 201-4100.

Thomistic's thoughts:

Priests should do everything to safeguard the reputation of the Church. This is especially so after the sex abuse scandals. Whatever else may be said, it must be said that one is always safer when careful precautions are made to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, because it is also human nature to recognize that where there's smoke, there's fire.

What are your thoughts?

Comments

[Rita]

Fr. O'Brien obviously doesn't care about hurting the Church. His personal desires and comforts come first, no matter who may be scandalized. God reward all the faithful priests who would never do this!

[A Catholic Mom]

Father OBrien's attitude is a perfect illustration of how most Americans/Christians have completely lost the understanding of what it means to avoid giving public scandal--even if there is nothing going on! A man and woman who are not married should not be travelling together. Not only does it LOOK bad, it actually does present the near occasion of sin--or at least it does in appearance. Priests USED to know this. Now it seems they are no better than the rest of us. We have completely lost our sense of modesty and chastity and it is very, very lamentable.

[John Roda]

Give the priest a break or at least the benefit of the doubt until we have some better evidence. Are we all so sex starved that we really care about these appearances? If the priest and his secretary have violated the 6th commandment, then so be it, and they will be held accountable for the offenses. Until then, relax, please.

[Rasputin]

What better evidence do you need? A photo of them in bed together? It doesn't even matter if this relationship is sexual or not, it is wrong! Have our standards for priests fallen this low, that we have no problem with them going out in public in lay clothes, escorting women while hiding their priesthood? Are you married? Would you spend hours alone with another woman or be seen with another woman alone in public while not wearing your wedding ring? If this is the best we can expect from priests today, then get ready to pay up, because the abuse will not just continue, it's going to flourish!

[Lea]

He may not be having an affair with her, but there is no doubt that he has become too closely involved. After so many years of working together, it is natural for a personal friendship to develop between two people. Yet while this may be natural, is still important to be prudent and to keep the friendship within professional limits. Fr. O'Brien's relationship has crossed that line. Travelling together on personal vacations is certainly inappropriate and would give rise to reasonable suspicions in any such situation. Indeed, even if Fr. O'Brien were to become so closely involved with a male secretary, in today's day and age, suspicions would also arise. Even if Fr. O'Brien is not romantically involved, he has certainly developed too strong an emotional dependency on this woman. This is inappropriate for his position, and it is no wonder that his parishioners are upset.

[Ron Borowski]

Jesus said, "He who is without sin, cast the first stone".
It appears that both the free-lance investigative reporter, Robert Kumpel, and some of the email reponders have already been the judge, jury and want to be the executioner.
In his own words, Mr. Kumpel has turned himself into the victim, claiming the stripping of his Rights. What about the rights of those that you accuse, Mr. Kumpel? Or have we stooped so low as to now judge based on heresay, innuendo and how it looks? Or are all priests now guilty based on the abuse scandals?
Allow the process to unfold, under the American legal premise of "Innocent until proven guilty".
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, will once again come in less than a week.
Merry Christmas to all!

[Rasputin]

Looks to me like all that Kumpel did was subpoena the travel records of this priest. If that's all it took to make the good Father shoot himself in the foot, something is wrong. Who's judging? Who's executing? Don't Catholics have a right to demand higher standards from priests after all the rot we have paid for?

[Charles Martel]

This is terribly, terribly sad. I cannot believe that any bishop would accept this kind of behavior from his priests, even if they are old buddies from the same country. Of course, this priest is only human, but it's the bishop who is ultimately culpable for allowing this mess to get this far. If we can't trust the shepherd, what will become of the flock?

[carolg]

I think the claim of matching outfits and PDA at Sam's club makes the person "reporting" this sound a little odd - I wouldn't wear the same outfit as my husband so I don't know what they are trying to prove by observing that. And the priest does refer to it as gossip, which I took as a denial but I guess that doesn't mean it isn't true.
I think this is gossip and should be treated as such, until we have the facts.
I think it is wrong to put their names and faces with this story online if you don't know the truth. And I think it perpetuates the scandal by doing so when we don't know the scope of what is going on or what is going on. I do agree with Thomistic that this man has been to lax, to say the least, in guarding his reputation and not avoiding the appearance of impropriety which doesn't help matters.

[Sheryl Temaat]

If my husband did all the things Fr. John O'Brien admits doing with Carolyn Klemm, there wouldn't be much left of him for the woman to travel with, cook for, and be hosting. Who do these priests think they are? They are fed, clothed, and sheltered by the laity, and give us back scandal and dissent.

[Nancy]

Some people are clearly missing the issue. and then others get it. This is not about being "sex starved" or "misjudging..." The relationship has been going on for 10-12yrs. Parishioners have approached Father John and the Bishop about the "Perception" and the concern throughout this time and nothing has changed. Father John as a Priest is held to a higher moral & ethical standard. He must be above reproach, set boundaries and limits in all relationships. He has not done this. Instead he blames the reporter and others for what he failed to do. He has yet to accept his role in the problem. He needs to be responsible and accountable to adjust his behaviors and in turn perceptions may change. However, with his "confession" there will always be questions. However, he needs to move forward to readjust the boundaries and apologize for his error. If unable or unwilling to do this, then he needs to move out of his role as a Priest. If he chose not to move forward then I would wonder if there is more to the relationship, or if he is just believing he is above the ethics of his role as a priest or he was unable to because of other cognitive or emotional limitations needing medical and spiritual attention. As others noted, we need to be concerned about not lowering standards, values... They are other parishioners who will cook and clean for him. His secretary does not need to travel with him. Honestly! Perhaps we all need this kind of Personal attention. Try it & I am sure there will be lots of talk.

[Joe McQuiston]

I have worked as a lay minister for over 30 years in various Catholic parishes. Because of the nature of celibacy, priests, being human, must find friendship in appropriate ways that do not cause scandal. Of the many priests I have personally known and worked with through the years, without exception, each have the same emotional needs of friendship as you and I. The friendship I refer to has nothing whatsoever to do with sexual activity. I have lunch with priests frequently for business and also for friendship and support of these men. It would be disheartening to have someone think there is a homosexual possibility by being seen with a priest in a public place. Jesus certainly spent time and ate with all kinds of people and I'm quite sure received the same criticism for it as some level against this priest. Judge not or at least hold your tongue until the facts are clear.

[Emilio]

Gee Joe, do these priests travel alone with you? While there is a problem of homosexuality in the priesthtood, homosexuals comprise a VERY small percentage of the population and historically, it has been safe for men to be seen with each other. When you have lunch with priests, are they disguised as layman or do they wear their clerics? I would guess that your priest friends have done nothing to create any air of suspicion. You are right. None of us can judge the state of one's soul. But Jesus didn't tell us to not use any common sense. This priest has admitted his frequent non-professional contact with this woman. The age of the "anything goes" priesthood has got to end.

[Thomas A.]

Shopping at Sam's club may be one thing, but
traveling to Europe twice with the same woman is indicative of 1) poor judgment
on the part of this priest; or 2) an inappropriate relationship, either of which
wounds the body of Christ. Pray that it is
the former, and that Father O'Brien seeks
a new secretary - - for the good of the Church in general, and his parish in particular. Above all, pray for good priestly vocations!

[carolg]

Suspicion is not fact. We should not be treating peoples suspicion as though it's fact when it has not been established as such. If something is going on, we don't know exactly what. And if some of you are so worried about scandal, why are you gossiping about this?

Nancy is right though when she wrote:

However, he needs to move forward to readjust the boundaries and apologize for his error.

The only thing I know for sure that this priest has done wrong is give off a bad appearance and not correct people and he's encouraging gossip with his questionable behavior.

I can be completely wrong about what is going on but until you know you shouldn't be trying to sort it out what the truth via public opinion.

[Adam]

It could be worse....he could be dating his MALE assistant! At least he's not gay!!!

[Thomistic]

Carol G.

I was very careful not to accuse Fr. O'Brien or Ms. Klemm of anything beyond being imprudent about the impression they have been giving.

That's why I said:

Priests should do everything to safeguard the reputation of the Church. This is especially so after the sex abuse scandals. Whatever else may be said, it must be said that one is always safer when careful precautions are made to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, because it is also human nature to recognize that where there's smoke, there's fire.

Nobody has posted that any type of sexual impropriety has occurred. Neither have I given that impression. The facts have been presented so as to assist people of good faith involved in the situation (including, I assume, Fr. O'Brien, his bishop, and Ms. Klemm) in seeing the appearance of things objectively.

The objective appearance is of an improper relationship involving poor boundaries between a priest and a laywoman.

That appearance cannot be disputed, because Fr. O'Brien has, himself, admitted this appearance exists (and not just in the mind of one person).

This situation should be rectified, and not by attempting to silence anyone who suggests that something is amiss, but rather by, as you said, readjusting the boundaries.

That is all I have suggested, and it is all I have seen anyone else suggest.

The suggestion was made in private to Fr. O'Brien. It was not heeded. It was made to his bishop and was met with a restraining order. So, it would seem, that the only recourse is to allow objective eyes outside the situation to assist those too closely involved in seeing that something's rotten in Denmark.

Pax,

Thomistic

[Joe McQuiston]

Scandal is not something new to the Church. Inspite of the terrible toll it exacts on victims, every generation has experienced it. I personally have been affected by the clergy scandal.

That said, I believe this particular blog site seems particularly interested in accusations, scandals, and controversy. The lead headlines read like the evening news...focusing on the sensational, while missing the grace filled moments which could bless people so much more.
I find it very sad to continually read on this site the mean spiritedness that is obvious in so many posts and the headlines that provoke them. For example, the ongoing dribble about "halloween" Masses. Halloween is over, why don't you comment on the beauty of the liturgy which is the norm in parishes that may have "gotten creative" rather than used good liturgical sense once during the year. Are the "halloween" Masses still continuing...of course not. But you fail to report the overwhelming number of positive things going on...hence you appear out of balance. I am critical of the evening news for doing the same thing...let's try to be more objective and balanced in our comments.
For example, how difficult would it be for those Bishop Tod Brown detractors to point out the very many good things taking place in his diocese because of his leadership. Keep in mind, as one draws a LINE between those we love and those we hate...nothing good can come from that. Dialogue ceases and bitterness hardens our positions and relationships. My challenge to those who "draw lines" which divide us is to discover the goodness of those you now see as your enemy in the same way Jesus did. The Good Samaritan is a story of Jesus uplifting the image of the villified Samaritan people. The strong commendation He gave the Roman soldier for his faith...all this in spite of what others thought of them. Ask yourself why Jesus uplifted the status of those who were hated by so many. Try to remain more openminded and openhearted; avoid hasty judgment and tongue wagging. We may find our hope that Jesus offers us is in reconciliation, not insult and bashing one's enemy. Where is the love in that? The world has enough hate. Be remembered for your kindness, slow to anger, rich in mercy....

Try to make friends with those you disagree with. I realize it isn't easy to do. Our world is filled with failure as the evidence of so much conflict demonstates. Why be part of the problem. Discover the true solution in our Lord who challenged the sinner, but did so with great compassion and hope. Hatred just entrenches us more deeply in our divisions. By the way, I enjoy the many helpful links and posts that are uplifting and contribute to the solution. I am also grateful for this blogsite in providing a forum for fruitful discussion of issues that we all feel so passionate about. The many comments, however given, demonstate a faith that is living. I like that too. We Catholics are not giving up on our Church, nor should we give up on our Church leaders.

[Philip Saenz]

These two individuals with a fallen human nature are too close to each other. That alone gives scandal. And don't forget the children who are scandalized and what Jesus said about humans with a fallen nature, who scandalize little children. These two individuals, the priest and his secretary are at least very stupid. They should at least desist their chumminess before their fallen nature caves in if it hasn't already.

[Edgar A Suter MD]

Mr. Kumpel should insist on a forensic audit of the parish accounts. When there is sexual abuse, there is usually accompanying embezzlement.

In view of the the worldly priest’s parish bulletin solicitation of tithing and a large building fund, a forensic audit is certainly in order

One source of local referrals for forensic accountants is: http://www.fasna.org/

[Peter]

At least he's not trolling for boys. Thank God for small favors.

[Chuck Stout]

I have known Robert Kumpel for many years. I not only vouch for his accurate reporting, I vouch for his courage. Mr. Kumpel began the exposition of tyrannical heretical homosexual pedophile priest Gary Holtey of the San Diego diocese. If it was not for Robert Kumpel, Father Holtey would still be up to his goal to destroy the Catholic faith and seduce prepubecent boys. You folks better listen to him. Chuck Stout

[carolg]

I know you have been fair in your presentation Thomistic and my comment was not addressed to you. It was to the other person who asked if we needed a picture of them in bed when we don't know what's going on, how bad it really is and to others who are assuming the worst and treating it as though it is fact. We don't know the full scope of his errors although the appearances admittedly are very poor.

What we do know, and I used your words in my first post since it is so well put, is that he is not "guarding his reputation and not avoiding the appearance of impropriety" which doesn't help matters.

Unless someone is very public and very unrepentant about their sins and/or rejection of the faith, where it publicly must be confronted for the sake of others, I'm the type that prefers things handled as cautiously and quietly as possible. But I understand the sense of urgency others have to get to the bottom of what is going on and deal with it. If things are as bad as some people fear and as they sometimes seem this priest he should be disciplined.

[jeron]

"at least he's not gay!!!"

give me a break! as if that's the absolute worst thing that could happen to a person - being gay. "being gay" isn't a sin; acting on it is, just like having sex outside of marriage for 2 heterosexuals is a sin. homosexuality is intrinsically disordered and persons living with same-sex attraction need our prayers to live chaste, integrated lives. it takes a lot of courage to do so, hence the name of the vatican-approved support group *courage* for those living with SSA.

[Gabriel]

Another naughty priest.