Catholic Clergyman Calls on Wuerl to Resign, Says He’ll Refuse to Participate in Mass with Him
The Washington Post’s Julie Zauzmer reports that Deacon James Garcia, a master of ceremonies at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, wrote in a letter to Cardinal Donald Wuerl published on Saturday that he will refuse to participate in any Mass led by the Cardinal. Zauzmer writes, “Since a Pennsylvania grand jury in August released a major investigative report cataloging alleged child abuse committed in the state by more than 300 priests, Wuerl – who oversaw some of those priests during his 18 years as bishop of Pittsburgh before he became archbishop of Washington – has faced calls to resign from numerous corners.” Zauzmer underscores the boldness of Garcia’s actions, because deacons are ordained clergy who pledge obedience to their bishops.