To the Editor:

The parishioners of Our Lady of Sorrows, White Plains, should be aware of two interesting developments regarding their pastor, Rev. Patrick Dunne, and his theft of thousands of dollars.  First, in 2002, he excoriated the media and clergy abuse survivors and their advocates for exaggerating the extent of the sexual abuse of children by clergy, while, at the same time, he engaged in theft against his own parishioners. What hypocrisy! Second, it is amazing how quickly a priest is removed from ministry, reported to civil authorities, and offered rehabilitation by the Archdiocese of New York when the almighty dollar is involved. Dunned was whisked away from the parish in record time. However, if he had sexually abused children, he would have been allowed to remain a priest until an investigation (that would have taken months if not years) was completed. And, if there was evidence of a problem, he would have been transferred to another parish. Money has always trumped the safety of children as the Church's number one priority. And this is all coming just in time to welcome the Pope to the Archdiocese of New York. I wonder how much money the Archdiocese will spend on the Papal visit?

Rev. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D.