KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Parishioners in Missouri and observers across the U.S. say Bishop Robert Finn should resign after being convicted of failing to report suspected child sexual abuse to the state.
Supporters say Finn made a mistake, but not one that should result in him being booted from his role as leader of the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Finn was found guilty Thursday of one misdemeanor charge and sentenced to two years of probation. If he abides by all the conditions, the conviction will be removed from his record in 2014.
Congregation member Patricia Rotert says Finn has lost his credibility and should step down.
Fellow church member Bruce Burkhart says booting Finn would not make children safer. He says adequate safeguards are in place to protect children from abusive priests.
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