Matt C. Abbott
Wikipedia user wrongly cites priest as 'accused molester'; Canon lawyer posts on murderous priest
By Matt C. Abbott
Once again, a problem has arisen with regard to Wikipedia.
On the page devoted to Miami Archbishop John Favalora, one of the site's "editors" had cited some material from my past columns on the Miami archdiocese and the case of Father Andrew Dowgiert, who in 2005 sued the archdiocese for wrongful termination. (His lawsuit was dismissed, and he subsequently dropped his appeal.)
That material prompted Wikipedia user "Student7" to post the following on the discussion page:
Florida attorney Sharon Bourassa, who represented Father Dowgiert, is furious at the post by "Student7."
"Father Dowgiert was never fired for molestation. This is libel per se!" said Ms. Bourassa.
We'll see if Wikipedia removes the offending section, as it did for material on pornography opponent Judith Reisman, Ph.D.
Canon lawyer Edward N. Peters has a post on the priest in Mexico recently sentenced to prison for the murder of his own son.
Very sad story.
© Matt C. Abbott
Once again, a problem has arisen with regard to Wikipedia.
On the page devoted to Miami Archbishop John Favalora, one of the site's "editors" had cited some material from my past columns on the Miami archdiocese and the case of Father Andrew Dowgiert, who in 2005 sued the archdiocese for wrongful termination. (His lawsuit was dismissed, and he subsequently dropped his appeal.)
That material prompted Wikipedia user "Student7" to post the following on the discussion page:
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'The dismissed and withdrawn Dowgiert lawsuit has been discussed. Dowgiert was annoyed at being reassigned to job where he would not be exposed to minors in view of accusations made against him. This does not tie in well with whatever the section is trying to say. Is molesting/homosexuality good or bad? If bad, why is the editor and Christifidelis defending Dowgiert, an accused molestor?'
Florida attorney Sharon Bourassa, who represented Father Dowgiert, is furious at the post by "Student7."
"Father Dowgiert was never fired for molestation. This is libel per se!" said Ms. Bourassa.
We'll see if Wikipedia removes the offending section, as it did for material on pornography opponent Judith Reisman, Ph.D.
Canon lawyer Edward N. Peters has a post on the priest in Mexico recently sentenced to prison for the murder of his own son.
Very sad story.
© Matt C. Abbott
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