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CNN Sunday Morning

Two Catholic Priests in Missouri Resign Due to Sexual Impropriety

Aired March 03, 2002 - 11:23   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: The child molestation scandal at the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston is not a geographic anomaly. Two priests in St. Louis, Missouri have been forced to resign in the past week over allegations of sexual impropriety. Cordell Whitlock of CNN affiliate KSDK in St. Louis has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CORDELL WHITLOCK, KSDK CORRESPONDENT: The auxiliary bishop told parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows about Father Michael Campbell's removal after the 5:00 service.

BISHOP DOLAN: I said the church is on the cross. You people are on the cross and the priesthood is on the cross. It's under tremendous scrutiny and suffering.

WHITLOCK: Some cried upon hearing the news. Father Campbell and Father Joseph Ross at St. Cronin Church have lost their parishes because both men were alleged to have engaged in improper conduct. Bishop Dolan admits the archdiocese of St. Louis' new policy on priestly conduct is directly tied to an ongoing scandal involving sexual abuse of children in the Archdiocese of Boston.

DOLAN: Boston has become the 9/11, and what we knew, what we were confident was effective and rigorous before, what was credible and effective before, now we even have to get more restrictive. Father Campbell knows that. Father Ross knows that. They both said, they both beautifully admitted what they did was contrary to their priestly principles.

WHITLOCK: Previously, priests accused of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of St. Louis could resume parish work after treatment. Bishop Dolan says no other pastors are being targeted for removal.

DOLAN: The only way it would happen, if there were new, if there was a new allegation that we found to be substantial and credible.

WHITLOCK: Cordell Whitlock, for News Channel 5.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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