Letter to Brother Paul-Allan Carey, FSD

Road to Recovery, Inc.

P.O. Box 279

Livingston, New Jersey 07039

Administrative Office:

46 Morris Road

West Orange, New Jersey 07052

862-368-2800

roberthoatson@gmail.com

May 21, 2011

Br. Paul-Allan Carey

Community of San Damiano

414 Potter Hill Road

Petersburgh, New York 12138

Dear Br. Paul-Allan:

I write in support of Paul Kendrick’s attempts to keep the children of Haiti safe and secure.  I am a priest who works with clergy sexual abuse victims numbering in the thousands. 

Unfortunately, the Haitian children are at particular risk of abuse because they were born and raised in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  In addition, the vulnerability of Haiti allows predatory persons of all sorts to “minister” there for their own gratification.  It appears that one of your brothers was in Haiti for reasons other than bringing the Gospel to the people.

Your recent recall of Br. Robert-Anthony Campbell from Haiti is laudable, but your protestations are not.  A religious brother, married or single, gay or straight, young or old, is not supposed to be giving 11 year-old boys showers and placing his hands all over the boys’ bodies.

The protection of children is, perhaps, the greatest responsibility we have as citizens.  Br. Robert-Anthony did not take that responsibility seriously when he touched the body of an 11 year-old innocent boy during the taking of a shower.  Eleven year-olds can shower themselves. 

Your approach to this issue was typical of the Church’s response:  protect the abuser and ignore the victim.  Perhaps this incident will change your mind and response.

Sincerely,

Rev. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D.

Co-founder and President

Cc: Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Diocese of Albany, New York

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