Pwoje Espwa - Letters from Road to Recovery President to Bishop Howard Hubbard and Brother Paul-Alan 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

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard

Diocese of Albany

40 North Main AvenueAlbany, New York 12203

Dear Bishop Hubbard:

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 Haiti? 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?

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

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, NewYork