When I read in your paper that Father Robert Vaillancourt was being returned to active ministry, I joyfully thanked God (“Catholic Church: Sex abuse allegations against Maine priest were unfounded,” July 28, Page A1).

Hundreds and hundreds of Catholics in Maine love Father Bob and have deeply missed his ministry. His welcome return cheers us all.

Catholics understand that grave sins have been committed by our clergy in our diocese and around the globe. We are grieved and sorrowful and prayerful about this huge stain.

Unfortunately, some critics of the church seem to believe that if a priest is accused, he is automatically guilty. No other clergy or lay people in our country are guilty until proven innocent. But Father Bob endured a year away from the ministry to which he was called by God. He fully cooperated with the scrupulous and intense investigation. Church officials found the “… allegations were unfounded and could not have occurred.”

Yet our critics refuse to believe the findings, presumably because the investigation was conducted by a review board created by the diocese in compliance with the national guidelines created by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This is unfortunate and patently unfair.

We no longer have stocks and pillories in this country, not even for accused Catholic priests.

I pray that people will recognize that priests have the same constitutional right to due process as everyone else in this country does.

Judith L. Pollock
Yarmouth

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