Local Priest Gets Support Over Controversial Remarks

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By Ray Hershel

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WGGB) -- A local Catholic priest who's spoken out against the church's handling of the clergy sex abuse crisis has gained some national support.

For the last eight years, the Rev. James Scahill of St. Michael's Parish in East Longmeadow has spoken out about the church hierarchy's handling of clergy sex abuse cases.

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Over the weekend at mass, Scahill criticized the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI.

"The Pope should step down if he's not prepared to embrace the truth relative to this matter," said Scahill.

The remark drew criticism from Bishop Timothy McDonnell of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.

Meanwhile, the Survivors' Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) called Scahill's remarks courageous, according to Peter Pollard, SNAP Regional Coordinator.

"I can't find the words to express the appreciation and gratitude for his courage and the courage he's shown for the past eight years in this," said Pollard.

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