So Msgr. Powers says that in relation to the charges of homosexual impropriety at the NAC: "I really can’t comment on what’s happening, or the perception of what has happened, because I’m just not familiar enough with it yet...". Yet the reason that his new position was open to begin with was the fact that the previous rector and vice rector ultimately had to resign due to the charges of homosexual conduct at the NAC. And Msgr Powers is claiming he isn't familiar with that? Then he disingenuously says about the lawsuit filed by an aggrieved ex-seminarian over the homosexual practices at the NAC "I believe the lawsuit you mention was dismissed." He thus deliberately tries to imply that the lawsuit was dismissed because the homosexual conduct at the NAC didn't occur. What he fails to mention was that the lawsuit was dismissed solely because the judge stated "the New York court does not have jurisdiction over the Rome-based seminary and its employees."
In short, it seems like the new rector is no better than the old - willing to give the impression that the NAC is not known for its active homosexuality. And "The Pillar" apparently was unwilling to call him out on this.
So, Msgr. Powers says he doesn't know enough to comment on the lawsuit over coverups of sexual abuse and retaliation against whistleblowers, but he does know enough to say, "And I think that Fr. Harman has done a wonderful job as rector. I think he has really helped to make the NAC a place where guys are formed in the heart of Jesus. And that’s a great thing."
Wouldn't not understanding the extent of the abuse that's been taking place at the NAC prevent him from complimenting his predecessor on doing such a great job? It's almost enough to make one think Powers is just another in a long line of coverup artists. Hopefully, that isn't the case, and Powers is truly devoted to Christian moral formation and cleaning up corrupt elements of the NAC.
So Msgr. Powers says that in relation to the charges of homosexual impropriety at the NAC: "I really can’t comment on what’s happening, or the perception of what has happened, because I’m just not familiar enough with it yet...". Yet the reason that his new position was open to begin with was the fact that the previous rector and vice rector ultimately had to resign due to the charges of homosexual conduct at the NAC. And Msgr Powers is claiming he isn't familiar with that? Then he disingenuously says about the lawsuit filed by an aggrieved ex-seminarian over the homosexual practices at the NAC "I believe the lawsuit you mention was dismissed." He thus deliberately tries to imply that the lawsuit was dismissed because the homosexual conduct at the NAC didn't occur. What he fails to mention was that the lawsuit was dismissed solely because the judge stated "the New York court does not have jurisdiction over the Rome-based seminary and its employees."
In short, it seems like the new rector is no better than the old - willing to give the impression that the NAC is not known for its active homosexuality. And "The Pillar" apparently was unwilling to call him out on this.
So, Msgr. Powers says he doesn't know enough to comment on the lawsuit over coverups of sexual abuse and retaliation against whistleblowers, but he does know enough to say, "And I think that Fr. Harman has done a wonderful job as rector. I think he has really helped to make the NAC a place where guys are formed in the heart of Jesus. And that’s a great thing."
Wouldn't not understanding the extent of the abuse that's been taking place at the NAC prevent him from complimenting his predecessor on doing such a great job? It's almost enough to make one think Powers is just another in a long line of coverup artists. Hopefully, that isn't the case, and Powers is truly devoted to Christian moral formation and cleaning up corrupt elements of the NAC.