|
|
|
Submitted June 15, 2005
An open letter to
Bishop Kyrill
June 15, 2005 |
 |
 |
www.Pokrov.org
Protection of the Theotokos
For victims of abuse in the Orthodox church
1621 Haight Street #3
San Francisco, CA 94117
To: The Most Reverend Kyrill
109 6th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
Your Grace:
Christ is Risen!
Over the last few weeks we have sent you three
emails and two phone messages. Since we have had
no response from you, or the Diocese, we are
sending this open letter in an attempt to get some
answers for the parishioners in Alaska.
It is our understanding that over the last ten
months people from one of your parishes -- St.
James the Just in Anchorage, AK -- have been
trying to get help from you regarding the actions
of their priest, Fr. Kenneth Bracy, but have not
received any response from you or help. Finally
these people turned to us at Pokrov.
We have received numerous emails and phone calls
on this situation. We had hoped that you could
help us clear things up. We think the faithful
deserve to know
What is the official status of Fr. Kenneth Bracy?
If there is a change in Fr. Kenneth Bracys
clerical status, will it be announced?
Was an investigation done on Fr. Kenneth Bracy's
background before he was accepted into The Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia?
Did the OCA Bishop offer any indication as to
why Fr. Kenneth Bracy was leaving that
jurisdiction?
Will help be sent to Alaska to help start the
healing process for the community?
Perhaps you don't wish to respond to Pokrov.
However, it is our hope that you will answer these
questions for the Faithful in Alaska who need
answers and need help. It is also important that
other jurisdictions and the general public are
made fully aware when a clergyman has abused his
position of trust and people have been hurt.
This will not go away on its own. Fr. Kenneth
Bracy was given a position of trust over innocent
parishioners. He violated that trust. The silence
from you is only adding to their pain. As Bishop,
you assigned Fr. Kenneth Bracy to the Church in
Alaska, so the responsibility falls squarely on
your shoulders.
Sincerely,
Cappy Larson, Greta Larson and Melanie Sakoda
Co-founders of Pokrov.org
|
