Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Father Michael found dead.
I have to report some sad news which has been confirmed to me by reporters at the Kent and Sussex Courier. Father Michael, who has been the subject of some rather serious allegations and had to be reliquished of his position at Corpus Christi, has died. Early indications are that he was discovered dead by his elderly mother yesterday morning. There are rumours of a possible drugs overdose. I'm sure that Tonbridge and in particular the Catholic community of the town will be in shock over this. We may never know whether or not the allegations leading to his arrest late last year would have ever been substantiated but it's probably best for everyone to draw a line under the whole episode and move on. When I posted the original item simply expressing that it had appeared on that week's Courier front page I had absolutely no idea of what was to come. Well over 300 comments and still coming in. If Tonbridge Blog gets 20 comments then usually that's on the high side so 300 is a phenomenal number. I've read most, if not all, of them and have been quite shocked, disturbed and at times even a bit scared by the depth of feeling it had clearly caused. Early comments suggested that I should take the post down and not help to spread gossip but I chose not to and, after a while, it was clear that to do so would have left others with no means of replying. Whether that was wise or not I'm not quite sure; but one thing's for sure this blog does seem to have served as the unofficial forum for people's views. If nothing else it has served to let people get their thoughts off their chests, to vent their spleens. Yes most of that has been anonymously but sometimes that's when you find people speaking the truth. I'm sure that the community will all pull together and help each other through this difficult period. It's an easy thing to say but time does heal everything eventually. I have never expressed a personal opinion on the subject and neither will I now
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43 comments:
well lets just hope that the horrific hounding of the man on this site hasn't led to the death of an innocent man. yes it is good to be able to give an opinion but some of the messages on your blog have been nothing short of evil towards, not just Father Michael but members of the church and children/staff at SMC. I have been truly shocked by it all.
I agree Anon - perhaps he was innocent, the internet can be a very dangerous medium.
you say "move on" - yes. but what if there was a genuine victim as a result of the allegation and they are now denied their right to see justice done.
Tonbridge Blog - I must offer you my congratulations - again you are spreading your own brand of bile.
Father Michael would have had every right in suing you for libel with the comments posted on this blog.
Even though you say they are by other people and just "their views" - it is still libellous and had the case gone to court you could have been held in contempt.
How could Father Michael ever have had a fair trial - someone only need google his name and this post comes up.
Tonbridge Blog - you are a disgrace - and I'd be very surprised if you weren't hauled before his inquest for allowing these rumours to be spread.
You may not allow this comment up on here - so "shame on you" if it doesn't because you obviously don't practice what you preach.
Freedom of speech, etc.. is what you say - and it's all fair and well for someone to have a pop at FM - but not at you.
I wish I knew what people are talking about here. I've never seen these posts....
@sebfox - here you go - a disgrace that Tonbridge Blog let them stay - an ABSOLUTE disgrace. I pray that one of these days he gets sued for libel and then he'll be exposed for being the tin-pot bookseller he is, rather than an undercover investigator he claims to be - instead it's all just scurrilous rumour he spreads. A MENACE to the town.
http://tonbridgeblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/oh-god-please-no.html
sounds like the writer of this blog is getting his ego massaged by the amount of hits garnered by his original post.
Get a grip. You didn't discover the story, only read about it and added your tuppence.
I've leave the journalism to the pros who probably know the legal implications of what they write.
theological point. Suicide is an unforgivable sin in the eyes of the catholic church.
question. did he do it because he knew he did not deserve forgivness or did he do it because he knew that there is no such thing as an afterlife and just wanted to escape trial.
its been described as "tragic". I agree that its tragic. but i think its tragic that he will never stand trial and those people he abused will never get closure.
this is the reason i am raising my children as humanists. the world would be a far better place without religion.
Actually no bile has been spread by me at all. Plenty by other, usually anonymous, people but absolutely none by me. If the overriding opinion is that these postings should be taken down then that is what I shall do. But that doesn't seem to be the case for all but a tiny few who've posted comments. Even if I did take those posts down then there would be nothing to stop people posting their views anywhere else on this blog or on other local blogs for that matter. So unless the suggestion is that the whole Tonbridge Blog is taken down then it would be pretty pointless.
In the past I have had cause to delete just a handful of comments which have been too personal either towards my family or defamatory remarks aimed at other individuals or else just too obscene. As a general rule though I tend to leave them in even if, as in some here already, they are attacking me personally.
I think all this talk of libel is a bit groundles. As far as I can tell, all Tonbridge Blog did was to provide a platform for other people to air their views. He didn't take part. That's what a blog does, it allows people to say things they wouldn't normally be able to say. It's called "free speech" and it's a right that people in certain countries in this world are literally dieing to have. In the old days, it would have been poison pen letters or a burning rag through your letterbox. As for theological questions regarding suicide amongst catholics, you don't even know how the poor bloke died yet. Wouldn't it be better to wait and see?
yes, you're right, no bile has been spread by you in that you haven't actually written it.
But by allowing people to post these horrible things (many of which are probably untrue) then you ARE spreading it.
It's just like in the letters pages of a newspaper - Mr Bloggs might have written the letter but the responsibility lies with the paper to make sure it is legally sound. If it isn't, then it's the newspaper that gets sued for libel - not the person who submitted it for publication.
@sebfox - ok, it's groundless is it?
let's see...
I can accuse you of being a paedophile on this blog and I'm fine am I? You wouldn't have any trouble in that would you?
Because, if you truly believe in what you are saying, "Tonbridge Blog didn't take part. That's what a blog does, it allows people to say things they wouldn't normally be able to say. It's called "free speech" and it's a right that people in certain countries in this world are literally dieing to have."
Have I made my point?
I agree with the humanist above. (but I am not as tactful)
I just don’t understand the catholic community. It is a well know fact that child abuse is committed throughout the institution. I don’t necessarily mean physical/sexual abuse. Telling a child that they will burn in hell for sin, when they are too young not to believe you, has to be a form of abuse.
I have to conclude that being a catholic is actually a form of mental illness. Why would anyone sign up for this willingly?
i dont think you can say anything libellous about the dead. its not like they could take you to court is it.
stop having a go at the Blogg host. if anything he should be deleting your post for being off topic. we are discusing a possible peodo priest who is dead not the tonbridge blogger.
The point is, catholic priests have been abusing their positions of trust throughout history, and the issue only really began to be discussed, and taken seriously during the 70s. Before that, it was simply swept under the carpet, allowing it to continue. It's thanks to media such as the internet that the subject is no longer "taboo". I don't think that's a bad thing. It makes it increasingly harder for people like that to get away with their crimes.
i agree with sebfox. but i also agree with Henry VIII.
The police had reason to arrest this man and you cant get away from the fact that in the past the RC church has tried to hush up wrong doings against children by its own priests. Children must be protected.
The whole story here is very sad. We will never know what drove Father Michael to possibly take his own life. Again the speculation starts afresh.
I believe Tonbridge Blog has been a valuable forum for people to air their views and concerns about the issues surrounding an allegation of child abuse. Abuse is a serious issue. There may be a child or young person who is still suffering and for them it will never be over.
If the autopsy reveals suicide Father Michael would have known the consequences of this and the burden his parish and his mother will carry. This is certainly against Catholic belief and rather shocking.
What a dreadful chain of events.
It seems someone has written that the autopsy has revealed that the death of Father Michael was not suicide. If this is correct information or not remains to be seen. Hopefully it is correct. This whole affair from beginning to end has been a very sad and shocking affair. The whole truth will never be known. May a line be struck under this now and that Corpus Christi can now look to the future and rebuild a strong community.
Father Michael was just accused of the deed anyone could be accused, thousands of people are being accused of doing things every day that never means that they did anything, I could accuse you of touching me that doesn't mean that you did it.
I may only be 16 but I seem to behave much more maturely than any of the horrible people that jumped on the band wagon and went on accusing Father Michael.
Those anonymous cowards may have driven this man to his death and you all now carry that guilt on your shoulders.
Conor
This blog site is a good forum for ordinary folk to have their voices heard without repremand.I think its a great service and feel all the better for it.
Whether FM killed himself or not-whether he committed the crimes he was accused of or not.That does not mean he will burn in hell.
God is his judge and the catholic faith believes in forgiveness and redemption.
Slate the catholic faith all you like but the overiding message is one of salvation, love and understanding.
If you look at any old fashioned rules from any establishment you would be shocked they ever existed. The same can be said of the catholic faith-it has moved on and evolved but some people need to catch up.Possible by giving themseleves more to the true meaning of the message brought by Jesus who became man and died for our salvation.
If a boy lets loose his viscious dog into a playground to injure children-then all other owners of poodles,etc are made to muzzle their dogs...
People are quick to blame the catholic faith when in fact the true crime was committed by the minority.
anonymous said.....
You all should be a shame of yourselfs and let father michael rest in peace. You all must have very sad lifes.
I fully agree with the last post - let FM rest in piece!
i know the guy he abused. Farther Michael does not deserve any peace.
I went to St Margaret Clitherow where Father Micheal held masses and whatever it is you religious types like to do.I always found him a bit creepy. I am thirteen years old and even I can work out how disgusting it is to prey on a child like that and eve more so; if he did commit suicide then that is a very strong piece of evidence that he was guilty. Also someone has said that, and I quote, 'internet is a dangerous medium.' What the hell?
And again... How are these posts offensive or 'evil'?
I spent seven years at a catholic primary school and I cannot tell you how much that convinced me to be Atheist. I don't understand how you can actually believe some the stuff written in the bible. And excuse me? Does the spaghetti monster exist? No. Is there a magical dwarf living on the dark side of the moon in a teapot? No. So how can there be some magical force controlling what we do and being omni-benevolent. Yes, I am very good at R.E.
One last thing. Anyone who can even consider doing that to a child is sick.
And another thing watch this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhGuXCuDb1U
No I am not trying to offend you but I probably have. It happens a lot when I get talking about religion.
Just read the courier.
IF THE COURIER REPORTS CORECTLY:How on earth could a 'so called' friend think it A GOOD IDEA to show FM the blog site.
I doubt whether FM had any computer access whilst on bail for his type of charge.
The hounding was to the community of people choosing to partake in the blog discussion.
One cannot stop people from talking when someone else is on bail.
The blog site is nothing more than 'over the garden fence' type talk.There is no proof of any charge within it.
It would not be correct for a person to have done wrong and then blame another person for telling them so.
So final.
sifting through the silt:
in any other religion i wonder if there would be so much protection for the accused AND the victim
the catholic faith is about forgiveness and spreading the word of god
in doing what it aims it of course runs over obstacles
this tragedy may make us consider our own sins
politics,life,religion,etc are always going to 'off rail' rigid guidelines-damaging the truth.
the main outcome for me is that the catholic faith protects its church and its people but also delivers on trust,hope, commandments and life ever after
we must pray for all that are in need-alive or dead
FM refused to give me communion since although I am a baptised and confirmed Catholic, I married outside the church and as far as the church is concerned I am in an adulterous relationship and unworthy to receive communion.
I do not know whether FM was guilty of the charges brought against him and am not willing to speculate on this blog, but two former teachers at my old school (surprise surprise a catholic one!)
are currently serving prison sentences for similar offences, and one of them was an ordained priest. At least two other priests or former teachers connected with the school are under investigation.
In the circumstances is is not a tad hypocritical for the Catholic church to deem someone in a happy, monogamous, legally married relationship unworthy of communion ?!?
Myself and my two children were educated at both the catholic schools mentioned and i have to say have been an asset to us all.
Fr michael christened my daughter and led my two children through their holy communion and confirmation and my son served under him for many years as an alter boy.There were no alteriative motives and my son when questioned was horrified at the implications implied.
Therefore would the jealous backstabbers who failed to get their kids in to a catholic school ( because we all know they are the best)just get over it and take responsibility for the fact they have led an innocent man to so much misery!!!!!!!
must have been a good school yes, a huge asset. It taught you words like alteriative. That's fantastic that is.
Actually, the school wasn't bad. (I'm the one who wrote the essay on religion a few posts up). It was just full of thickos and too many R.E. lessons. Three a week. Who needs three R.E. lessons a week? And one teacher (I won't mention any names) was a complete and utter cow to anyone who had any talent at anything.
I think the most important education which is the most beneficial to us all, is the education bestowed on us by our parents. If you're brought up to respect other people, employ good manners where possible, and above all...just try to get through life without harming anyone else.
You don't need the bible for that do you?
No way! I have managed to survive with no cheap, man made myths. Is this amazing, beautiful world not enough?
to the anon April 19, 2011 4:52 PM the church now accepts that people who commit suicide are not in a sound mental state thus alleviating some if not all responsibility in their death
the man is dead now ,what else do you want !! you are like vultures most of you. only god knows the truth!but if he was innocent you killed him with your comments.
Killed by the comment here? Don't be an idiot. If he was what he said he was he would have been big enough to rise above any petty gossip.
I don't know what really happened and no one else here does either - it's between FM and his maker.
I know lots of fine Catholics but, having been raised in the faith, it is definitely not for me. Far too much superstition, bigotry and ignorance - and that's just the doctrine.
The Catholic Church as an organisation is despicable, a truly malevolent presence on Earth. All those years of covering up child rape, all that wealth while people starve. The sooner people realise its shortcomings the better.
Nobody seems to be mentioning the poor victims in all of this FM may be dead and now not have to deal with any of this but those poor poor innocent people that have been affected by this now have to spend the rest of their life with the horrific ordeal haunting them every day so it's them I feel sorry for not him.
How can you all say such horrible things about Fther Michael? We don't even know if the accusation was true. I went to that Church when I was six and Father Michael was a priest totally dedicated to his job. My Godmother said to me 'not even in my wildist dreams would Father Michael ever do a thing like that! I read in The Bible that you should never speak ill of the dead so I don't want to see any more people being horrible about Father Micahel.
Asha
Do you think Fr M was arrested because people said horrible things about him. NO, the truth is close to coming out. Your granmother was not his keeper and cannot make that judgement. Unfortunately you and many others will see the ugly side of the Church very soon.
I just heard about this today, I was an altar boy at Corpus Christi when I was younger, but left the catholic faith some years ago. In the time I went to the church and was an altar boy there Father Michael never behaved in an indecent way towards me, he was always a very supportive and caring man, even though I had my own disagreements with the religion.
I was very sad to hear the news of his passing, my thoughts are with him and his family, wherever he is now. RIP Father MIchael.
I hope you haven't given up your FAITH through failings of the church.
Faith is a gift from God and is as difficult to lose as your will to live.
Remember these two are different. Some people in the church represent the real truth and others represent power and deceipt.
This is getting totally out of hand.There many points that I would like to raise. Now that the gossips are bored of this site, and now have moved on to something else! I would like to point out that even though this is a free speech site, some of these comments not just on this blog but the other blog regarding FM Michael are vicious on both sides. I was raped not by a priest I might add. I'm not saying that Fm Michael raped anyone by the way. What I'm saying is that people have to understand that these things happen in life and just because someone is in a high profession does not mean that they are exempt from doing something wrong. I did not report my rape, because I thought no one would believe me against him. This and another blog proved me right that I would not have been believed. As there are so many people out there that believe that things like this don't happen. Believe me they do. Catholic priest's should have the right to marry, as like all men they have urges ,after all they are human. People forget that they are like us. Im not saying that the allegations against FM Michael are true or false, all I'm saying is I'm disgusted by some of these comments. So many people are very quick to defend the accused, but not so many people are quick to defend the victims. I wonder why that is?
I still attend Mass every sunday as my believe in faith has got me where I am today. Please stop all of this hatred until we get the full information . By the way comments made about FM Michael's mother regarding that she was protecting her son PLEASE don't be so naive. That goes for the poor ladies that worked for FM Michael they wouldn't have had a clue Trust me. Enough.
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