Roman Catholic Bishop Carlos A. Sevilla should suspend himself without pay for at least a month after admitting he hired a man under investigation for viewing child pornography, an advocacy group says.
Leaders of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said the request Thursday in a letter to Sevilla was the first time the group has asked a bishop to suspend himself.
"I would like to thank SNAP for their concern for the healing of victims of sexual abuse and for the protection of children and youth, both of which are very important to me as well," Sevilla said in a news release. "I have already taken full responsibility for my serious error in judgment in hiring Mr. Gonzalez and the lack of proper follow-up."
The Rev. Robert M. Siler, diocesan chief of staff, said the bishop will soon express his regret about the matter to parishioners
The episode has been another black eye for the diocese, which has paid about $1.25 million to resolve sexual abuse claims involving seven priests.
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