Regarding the show on Father
James Selvaraj

The general subject of Daniel Burke's original article for Religion News
Service and radio interview with Interfaith Voices - specifically, the
 plight of priests who are falsely accused and still not returned to
 ministry - is worthy of serious examination and compassion.  However,
 Mr. Burke has built his report using the story of a priest who does not
exemplify such cases, and who has, rather, chosen not to return to
 ministry in his home diocese.

Father James Selvaraj is not a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, he is a
 priest of the Diocese of Tuticorin, India.  A petition for his
incardination (or permanent attachment) in the Diocese of Trenton had
been initiated, but was concluded by Bishop John M. Smith in late
 November on the basis of concerns noted with Father Selvaraj's
 ministerial style. These concerns were expressed by Father Selvaraj's
 superiors well before the incident that led to an allegation of child
 endangerment against him. The concerns centered on a lack of sensitivity
and respect for the cultural norms and decorum that dictated how priests
interact with parishioners, particularly children and young people. He
 was seen to have an overly friendly demeanor that did not conform to
what were established best practices in these matters.  He had been
 advised of these concerns on several occasions before September, 2005.

 Bishop Smith instructed Father Selvaraj that his petition for
 incardination was denied, and that he was to return home to India as
soon as the criminal proceedings in which he was involved were
 concluded. As a result of that decision, his faculties to serve in the
Diocese of Trenton were automatically withdrawn. Father Selvaraj's home
bishop was informed.

In early 2006, Father Selvaraj's bishop wrote to him and instructed the
 priest to return home at which time he would be given a parish
 assignment.  It would seem that he has chosen not to honor his priestly
vow of obedience to his bishop; Father Selvaraj has not returned home.

It was determined by the civil authorities that the complaint against
Father Selvaraj lacked sufficient evidence to move forward. This was
 widely reported in the media.  Bishop Smith wrote to the parish where
Father Selvaraj had served, acknowledging his contributions but stating
 that he has been instructed to return to his home diocese.  

Bishop Smith has taken no disciplinary or punitive action against Father
 James.  Nothing Bishop Smith has done prevents Father Selvaraj from
conducting his ministry in any other place outside the Diocese of
Trenton.  To suggest otherwise is pure fabrication.

Mr. Burke's contentions in his article and interview reflect a poor
 understanding of the rules and practices regarding priest incardination
 and guest assignments. Additionally, we would have hoped that both
 Daniel Burke and Maureen Fiedler would have examined the merits of
 Father Selvaraj's case a bit more closely, and questioned him more
specifically on these fundamental issues that belie his professed desire
 to serve as a priest.