The Archbishop of Toulouse, France, appointed a priest convicted of rape as diocesan chancellor. Father Dominique Spina was convicted in 2006 for raping a 16-year-old student in 1993. The appointment has drawn criticism from victims’ advocates and the local Catholic community. The appointment was made public on July 7th, after being announced on June 2nd.
13 days ago
Archbishop Guy de Kerimel of Toulouse, France, has appointed Father Dominique Spina as diocesan chancellor and episcopal delegate for marriages, effective September 1 1. This decision has ignited widespread criticism, particularly from victims' advocates and the local Catholic community 1.
Father Spina was convicted in 2006 by the Tarbes Court of Appeals for raping a 16-year-old student in 1993, while serving as the boy's spiritual director 1. He received a sentence of five years' imprisonment, with four years served and one year suspended 1. The archdiocese's decree announcing the appointment was published on June 2, but the news became widely known on July 7 after a regional newspaper broke the story 1.
Archbishop de Kerimel defended his choice, stating he had "taken the side of mercy" for Father Spina, who had worked in diocesan archives for five years 1. The Archbishop acknowledged Spina's serious past actions but asserted that Church officials have "nothing to reproach this priest for in the last 30 years" 1. He also noted that Spina "no longer exercises pastoral responsibility, other than celebrating the Eucharist, alone or exceptionally for the faithful" 1.
Despite the Archbishop's defense, the appointment has been met with significant condemnation 1. A Toulouse Catholic described the decision as "unacceptable," while the Catholic news portal Tribune Chrétienne expressed "astonishment" and raised "serious questions" about the Church's commitment to combating abuse following the 2021 CIASE report 1.
The controversial appointment also raises canonical questions regarding Church law 1. Canon law stipulates that diocesan chancellors must be "of unimpaired reputation and above all suspicion," a requirement that critics argue is directly contradicted by Father Spina's past conviction 1.
How does the Church address clerical misconduct and forgiveness?
The Catholic Church addresses clerical misconduct with a commitment to accountability, protection of the vulnerable, and a path towards healing and reconciliation. This involves firm disciplinary measures, a "zero tolerance" policy for abuse, and a recognition of the profound harm caused by such actions .
The Church acknowledges with deep shame the sexual abuse of minors and other forms of abuse (power, economic, conscience) perpetrated by clerics and consecrated persons . This misconduct is seen as a grave betrayal of priestly obligations and duties, causing immense pain to victims, their families, and the wider community .
Key aspects of the Church's response include:
The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is central to the Church's understanding of forgiveness, offering a path for sinners to be reconciled with God and renewed in grace .
Key aspects of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Church include:
In summary, the Church is committed to confronting clerical misconduct with firm measures and a focus on victim support and prevention, while simultaneously offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a profound means of divine forgiveness and healing for all who seek it.