Road to Recovery, Inc.P.O. Box 279Livingston ,New Jersey 07039
Administrative Office:
46 Morris RoadWest Orange ,New Jersey 07052 862-368-2800
May 21, 2011
Bishop Howard J. HubbardDiocese ofAlbany
40 North Main Avenue
I am writing in regard to the recent “incident” at a camp for poor children in Haiti, partially staffed by a community of Franciscan “third order” brothers based in the Diocese of Albany. Once again, the response of Church leadership was disappointing and inappropriate. Paul Kendrick deserves to be lauded as a hero for bringing this matter to the attention of Br. Paul-Allan Carey. Instead, he has been treated with suspicion and disdain.
It is quite obvious that Br. Paul-Allan would not have acted in any way, shape, or form to the allegations of Paul Kendrick on behalf of a naked 11 year-old boy whose body was touched from head to toe by a member of the San Damiano community had it not been for Paul Kendrick’s communication to your office and your intervention in the matter. Perhaps the recent conviction of Fr. Gary Mercure and future indictments of Diocese of Albany priests have prompted your more timely attention and action regarding these cases.
To think that Br. Robert-Anthony would publicize what he considered appropriate and legal action on a blog is indicative of the fact that nothing has changed in the Church regarding childhood sexual abuse by clergy and religious. Sexual abuse continues at epidemic rates. And Br. Paul-Allan’s response to Paul Kendrick is further proof that church image and internal controls are more important than protection of children and transparency.
What will happen to Br. Robert-Anthony? Will you report the alleged crime to authorities in? Will Br. Robert-Anthony be suspended from all duties and watched carefully? Will the young boy whom he allegedly abused be offered services to recover from the alleged abuse? Haiti
The ball is in your court, Bishop Hubbard. Will you bounce it to someone else or take the shot yourself?
Sincerely,
Rev. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D.Co-founder and President
Cc: Br. Paul-Allan Carey, FSD
On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, Brother Robert-Anthony Campbell, FSD, posted a story on his "Haiti's Littlest Angels" blog of how he put his hands on the naked body of an 11 year-old boy while Campbell showered the boy from "head to toe, scrubbed his hair and washed his shorts." When confronted about his behavior, Brother Robert immediately shut down his entire blog. Brother Robert has since been recalled from Pwoje Espwa Sud in Les Cayes, Haiti by his superior pending an investigation.
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