INVESTIGATE BISHOP DEWANE

TO: POPE FRANCIS

1,255
of 2,000 signatures
(screenshot of website petition taken 9/17/14)
NOTE: Full petition website at http://bit.ly/1DnGDo8

We stand with the Catholics of Southwest Florida in asking for
an investigation of the autocratic behavior of Bishop Frank Dewane.

* The bishop has dismissed pastors and unfairly fired over 20 workers without
reason or hearing and ignored the needs of local communities.
* Pastors have requested help from the Papal Nuncio, reporting Dewane of
violating Canon Law and operating through intimidation, fear, shaming and
bullying.
* The bishop continues to embarrass faithful Catholics by losing his temper,
lashing out at innocent students and demoralizing the priests and employees of
the diocese.

"While Pope Francis values openness, dialogue, and consultation, our bishop
suppresses the open exchange of ideas. We find ourselves in a diocese in which
both laity and priests dare not differ with the bishop in any matter, large or
small, for fear of retribution" say the writers. Parishioners and pastors are
speaking up and asking for our support.

We support the local Catholics who have signed a letter to Pope Francis,
Cardinal Marc Ouellet and the Congregation of Bishops asking for its
intervention.

For the good of the Church, the people of God must have ways to hold their
appointed leaders accountable.
Why is this important?
Since 2006, Catholics in Southwest Florida have been suffering under Bishop Dewane and asking for an
investigation into his misconduct. He has intimidated and banished workers and his violent outbursts and
unpredictable anger have become a pattern which, in the name of justice, demands an investigation.

After years of letter writing and local action, Catholics in the diocese are writing again to Pope Francis,
and asking for the support of others around the country.
(For more information on the pastors and parishioners leading the campaign, visit
http://www.cta-usa.org/SWFL

REASONSFORSIGNING

simone b. about 14 hours ago
A culture of fear and mistrust has infected our diocese since Frank Dewane has taken office here. We need
help and yet there is no where to turn, not even to the papal nuncio. The result is that faithful Catholics are
forced to go elsewhere.

Michele B. about 22 hours ago
Tyannical behaviour of this nature is violent and would be considered criminal in secular law in North America
and other parts of the world.

Barbara M. about 23 hours ago
This man is too broken right now to serve as Bishop. Help him come to health and wholeness and help his
wounded people.

Jane M. 2 days ago
Christ said "how you treat the least among you..." Bishop Dewane does not fit that model.

James P. 2 days ago
Bishop needs reality check. People need loving leader.

Mary Alice H. 4 days ago
You cannot have a dialogue with someone like that. He uses his power to control others. The fear he inspires
is contrary to Christ's teachings.
Permalink
William H. 4 days ago
His rudeness does not express love for others. He may be unbalanced psychologically or neurologically

Ryan H. 6 days ago
It's important we hold Bishops accountable to the Gospel!

Bonnie S. 6 days ago
Bishop Dewane needs professional help. He does not need to suffer from angry outbursts and intimidate and
frighten his staff
Permalink
m w. 6 days ago
I agree with the action of the priests. The Bishop seems the opposite of Christ-like.

Bernard L. 5 days ago
As a former member os Leo The Great parish,I have Dewane's unChristian actions up close and personal.

peggie w. 5 days ago
my sister has been very affected negatively by this bishop, I feel he has a problem and needs help
Permalink
Sandra M. 5 days ago
Because we have an obligation to sign this request to the Holy Father for his help to protect our local Church

Phoebe S. 5 days ago
I believe this should be sent to Pope Francis.

Ann A. 5 days ago
I do not believe he is a true Shepherd in my understanding of this word.
Permalink
Frank M. 5 days ago
Our bishops are called to be models of love, justice and service. This man appears to be deeply disturbed
and needs to be sent somewhere where he can be ministered to adequately.

Roger G. 6 days ago
The penalty St. Thomas More is paying because we were good stewards and paid for the new church before
the dedication. A phenomenal success story was rewarded with a $100,000.00 + penalty by the diocese. The
request was denied with no indication why or guidelines for future requests. The Bishop owes a detail
response to the allegations made to the Papal Nuncio.

Marcella L. 6 days ago
During the recent Church renovation, the Bishop forced the expenditure of $53,000 for a stained glass
window that would shield Mass participants from viewing the Garden statue of Mary and Jesus. Then he
raised our Church's CFA allocation to almost a half million dollars. The allocation, if not raised directly, will be
deducted from weekly donations. Next year's CFA allocation will be based on the full weekly income not on
the reduced amount.
Permalink
Marion L. 6 days ago
We learned firsthand at our parish of his destructive actions.

Bernadette D. 6 days ago
The reason I am signing this is because many years ago I worked in a parish with a pastor who had similar
outbursts. He was diagnosed with a severe addiction problem, but never received treatment. He died a very
painful death. Get help for this man.

CYRIL M. 6 days ago
TO HOLD BISHOPS ACCOUNTABLE

Clem A. 6 days ago
Are we not yet rid of the misbegotten practice of royal prerogative? Is this not the era of collaborative
ministry?

John Y. 6 days agoe
The duty of the bishop is to tend to a large flock. This is not what we are experiencing.

John C. 6 days ago
I attend mass at St. Andrews in Cape Coral when visiting my mom and support making the Church more
transparent and accountable
Permalink
Karen D. 6 days ago
We need pastoral bishops, not generals.

Kathryn M. 7 days ago
Abusive leadership can not be tolerated in any church or organization.

Robert L. 7 days ago
I will not be intimidated by anyone God is who i pledge myself to.
SOURCE: Website: http://action.groundswell-mvmt.org/petitions/investigate-bishop-dewane