Helias priest put on leave

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

A priest who works at Helias High School has been put on leave while authorities investigate information that was found on his school computer.

Details about the investigation into Father Brendan Doyle were sent out to parents and school staff Wednesday.

Deacon Dan Joyce, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City, said Doyle reported on Thursday, Nov. 17, a suspected virus on his computer at Helias.

“He sought technical assistance, and in viewing the information on the computer, an individual that works for Helias found what appeared to be inappropriate web images,” he said. “Out of an abundance of caution, Father Doyle’s computer was forwarded onto a law enforcement agency for further review.”

While this matter is being investigated, Joyce said, Doyle is on temporary leave of absence from all diocese activities and work.

“In accordance with diocese policy, the diocese review board has been notified,” he said. The paid leave of absence will be for as long as this matter is under review.”

Joyce would not say to which law enforcement agency the computer was forwarded. He also would not elaborate as to what the inappropriate material was.

Joyce also said there had been no other incidents involving Doyle.

Parishioners at the church where Doyle has been serving will be hearing more about the investigation at services this weekend, Joyce said.

In a prepared statement, Doyle’s lawyer, Brian Francka, said, “Father Doyle is aware of the ongoing investigation that was publicly disclosed by the Diocese and is looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation. Unfortunately, Father Doyle is unable to make any comments regarding this matter until the investigation is concluded.”

In a statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, the Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, said in a prepared statement, “Jeff City Catholic diocesan officials have a long pattern of secrecy in cases of clergy sexual misdeeds. We doubt they're being fully honest in this one. Let’s hope that every person who has any information or suspicions that could shed light on these allegations will find the courage and strength to call police so that the full truth might become clear.

More like this story

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

I don't believe this about him for one minute. I'll believe it when I actually KNOW there is proof that HE did it and not someone else on his computer.

I need proof first.

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

This is the denial that causes this problem.

TG 1 year, 5 months ago

I dont know who you are to say that he is guilty, we dont even know what these images are. I knew him personally and I dont believe this is true. So just keep your opinion to yourself bud.

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

Well I have plenty of images on my computer of my family etc that aren't getting investigated and never will. What do you think alarmed the authorities to investigate these images?

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

Well I have plenty of images on my computer of my family etc that aren't getting investigated and never will. What do you think alarmed the authorities to investigate these images?

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

He is a VERY intelligent man. I guarantee you that if he had improper pictures on his computer he wouldn't be stupid enough to call for computer help! DUH!!

Use your brains people!

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

Keep telling yourself that.....

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

AMEN TG!

newone 1 year, 5 months ago

So I guess it is ok to ruin a man's life without proof??

starbuck 1 year, 5 months ago

I agree -- Innocent until proven guilty. That being said, there have been numerous other priests that so many people have adored and thought the world of that have turned out to have a dark side well hidden from many people. One that comes to mind is the disgraced Bishop Anthony O'Connell who was a former priest of the Diocese of Jefferson City.

It's a shame that the past actions of others lead so many to jump to the worst conclusions.

linoge 1 year, 5 months ago

These kind of articles always seem to make big headlines. I could be wrong of course, but my feeling here is that this is some kind of smokescreen.

2warped757 1 year, 5 months ago

What is most interesting that when it turns out to NOT be real, that story gets buried in the never read areas of the newspaper, if published at all.

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

Well he IS being investigated so this story is very real.

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

Why does the catholic community keep turning a blind eye to this??

newone 1 year, 5 months ago

NO one is turning a blind eye, all we are asking is for people like you NOT to judge until they know for sure what is going on, images were found, his facebook page was hacked a few week's ago and he had a virus on his computer, things are downloaded on computer all of the time when you get a virus who is to say these "images" were not from this virus? I had a virus once and my entire computer was taken over by adult images, $200 later the virus was gone and so were the hundres of images that were downloaded from the virus, it happens all of the time!

corndog 1 year, 5 months ago

FYI, law enforcement would only be involved if it was suspected images of child prnography. Adult images are not illegal. Also FYI, I've done computer forensics for 8 years, and the "I don't know how these images got on here, it must have been a virus" defense is the number one excuse for those with CP on their PCs. And it has never turned out to be a virus. Not saying that is the case in this situation, just throwing out some real life facts.

frayz15 1 year, 5 months ago

youtube.com/watch?v=RwbL-Xyvxz0

what up nasty facebook viruses

corndog 1 year, 5 months ago

The Facebook prn spam was not child prn (at least from what I heard). So again, I reiterate that unless the images were of suspected CP, law enforcement would not be involved. Graphic adult pictures are not illegal, and any law enforcement shop with a computer forensic unit has a case load backed up a minimum of 6 months (with every other case being CP). It wouldn't even be allowed in the lab unless there were some images that warranted further investigation.

And folks, you'd be surprised at all the "smart" people who think that no images are stored on their PCs so they let others use/fix them. That's how quite a few of them are caught.

cindyz 1 year, 5 months ago

Tigger - in this country you are usually innocent until proven guilty and the "Catholic community" is not blind - we would just like to see the priests who are accused actually given a fair trial. Too often, once they are accused now, it is over. And really, just ONCE, could SNAP say something positive? This man has been a priest for decades and the diocese reacted immediately to non-specific charges that may or may not be true by taking him out of service. The problem with SNAP is they wouldn't be happy even if every priest, bishop, cardinal and the Pope were just lined up and shot whether they are guilty of anything or not.

tigger2118c 1 year, 5 months ago

So this is a new problem for the catholic community?

Bulldog25 1 year, 5 months ago

The allegations against Fr. Doyle do not suprise me one bit.

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

Why do you say that?

Mwt1971 1 year, 5 months ago

What "long history of secrecy" is SNAP referring to? Is it too secretive to disclose? This is the first case I've ever heard of and I'm sure it's due to the incident in Kansas city. I have an office with 7 staff members. I have paid hundreds of dollars in tech fees because somebody clicked on an email link that made it through a spam filter. Dial it down a bit, folks. The diocese is doing exactly what it should in the interest of the public and the catholic community. How sad that so many are ready to convict based on the good faith TRANSPERANCY evidenced by the voluntary statement issued by the diocese. If the police feel there is even a hint of illegal activity, they will pursue this. If not, those of you so ready to pronounce guilt will simply have to take satisfaction in the fact that this person has been humiliated in the community he's served for decades. And more than likely will never again be allowed to serve the public because of this. Darn. That's not nearly as fun as a conviction, is it?

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

No one is calling him a child molester. If you heard this from a reliable source, please share.

Maybe you should wait for PROOF before you crucify him!

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

MY reading comprehension....sorry Lige...but I'm probably more educated than you'll ever dream to be.

And this story has NOTHING to do with child molesters...so don't try to get another rumor started.

Good day~

tonto_goldberg 1 year, 5 months ago

I am sad to say it, but that happened here as well. So far as I know, none of the priests currently assigned here were involved.

eileen10 1 year, 5 months ago

i suggest not casting the first stone. if hes found guilty then fire away. ty

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

After it comes out that he is innocent, which I'm sure it will, I hope the people of the City of Jefferson rally around him and give back to what he has given to so many.

Fr. Doyle.....you have my support and the support of everyone that I have talked to. Those that know you don't believe it. Stay strong, my friend. Satan will NOT win this war!

God bless~

Fairandbalanced 1 year, 5 months ago

I noticed that the online article left out an important piece of information that was in the newspaper article - that neither the JC Police, Cole County Sheriff's Department nor the MO Highway Patrol were involved in this investigation. So what "law enforcement agency" did the Diocese forward the PC to, for futher review ... and why won't they say? Seems like a full disclosure of key facts would inprove people's confidence and perception of how this matter is being handled.

tonto_goldberg 1 year, 5 months ago

It is troubling, but deciphering the actual origin of those images is a delicate forensic process that has to be done right. If I was accused and innocent, I'd certainly be careful about who got to my computer. If I was guilty, I'd take a hammer to it first.

LGMoir 1 year, 5 months ago

Probably FBI, which doesn't get involved in just any pics. And Tonto, you would be amazed at how even really intelligent people think they have deleted evidence from their PCs when it's still there in plain site. You just gotta know where to look, and that would be the same places techies would be looking if a virus were suspected.

Pitbulllover 1 year, 5 months ago

I would just like to state to everyone reading this, Father Doyle is a good man. I went to Helias, and he treated everyone good, and everyone equally. This includes, not only the students, both male and female, but also the teachers, the parents and friends of everyone there. I might not have had the best student record there, but I do know that he was there to support anyone when they needed it, regardless of age/sex.

 Also, if anyone gave a damn, including the media, they would have included that Father Doyle's Facebook account was hacked approximately November 15th.  IMO it's too close to this "incident" to really say one way or another that HE put these "images" there himself.  Viruses can do awful things to computers, and anyone willing to convict him with this terrible information given to us, not only by News Tribune, but by KRCG, and many other media outlets, is ignorant to anything technological.  All those saying he's guilty without even knowing the full story, have you ever had a computer virus?!  I'm 27 years old, grew up around computers.  I know my way around them when it comes to anything internet related or even virus related.  That's right, I've had a virus before, and it can and will send you to sites, attach pictures, etc.

 Have some respect for your fellow mankind and don't judge him, convict him in your mind, or anything unless until the TRUE story has been revealed.  By that I mean all facts are released and a full investigation, by whomever it is, is completed.  Don't ruin a man's life because you are too bullheaded to assume he's a good person, since most of you do not even know the man, and wouldn't have known him passing him in the street!

Sequoia 1 year, 5 months ago

Pitbulllover,

On this site, about one in a thousand posts is actually worth reading. This is one of them. Very well done.

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

agreed

lulu 1 year, 5 months ago

agreed

frayz15 1 year, 5 months ago

youtube.com/watch?v=RwbL-Xyvxz0

explains the images

cewolken 1 year, 5 months ago

I would like to throw my support for Father Doyle who taught so many of us to be Catholic through his hard work examples as a parish priest and friend. I have noticed a few names out on the responses from others that I went to school with at St. Martins who experienced the one of the most "straight-forward" and fair individuals that anyone could ever experience. I have known him since the 1970s and the many people that he has helped in a positive manner as mentioned by others on this forum.. Brendan Doyle, please know that many of us are praying for you and look forward to the day when you are cleared of the allegations. Thank you for your many years of service in the Diocese. I agree with many of the responses not to rush on judging Fr. Doyle based upon the initial reports of the images in this computer information. I have been in the computer industry since 1984 and involved in many forensic computer investigations. The investigators need to gather the evidence and analyze carefully without pre-conceived outcomes. I pray that the people involved in the investigation are as honest and caring as Fr. Doyle has been with many kids, teenagers, and adults over his lifetime. Chuck Wolken.

londonbridges22 1 year, 5 months ago

I'm also a proud graduate of Helias, and do not for one second believe Fr. Doyle is capable of doing any harm, in any sense of the word. I'm sickened at the thought of Jefferson City trying to create their own scandal. I agree whole-heartedly with Mwt1971 and Pitbulllover, those of you so ready to convict such a wonderful leader should seriously reevaluate their own morals.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

Let's not beat the media on this yet, they're only reporting the investigation and administrative action, as objectively as they can without simply ignoring the story.

LGMoir 1 year, 5 months ago

The media didn't just come up with this story on its own--they are just reporting what was released to them by the diocese.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

I think that the Bible itself tells best what will happen to this immoral man.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

God knows what his intentions were, and the repercussions for his actions will be felt in the afterlife.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

You condemn him to hell in advance of facts. You should be ashamed. And, the bible is very wrong on many issues.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

The Bible is the perfect, flawless Word of God. To doubt the Bible is to doubt Christ himself. Such a comment ... you should be ashamed! You insult the Church and God above.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

I don't share your faith. The Bible was written by men and is anything but perfect, flawless or the actual word of a God. If our faiths don't match up and you're insulted by mine, deal with it. Welcome to America.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

I live in a majority Christian society and am not about to attack a mainstream faith with a debunking disection of their book, any more than I would the Q'uran or others. All holy books are dogmatic and are historically and scientifically impossible in many ways.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

I'm talking manners, not danger from religious dogs. I'm not going to attack your holy book at length, but I don't see anything particularly wrong in saying I don't think it's not correct in many ways. Your only conclusion is wrong, again.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

"It isn't complicated" is mean spirited. Choosing not to attack a holy book isn't dogmatic, it's good manners. It's also completely off topic to this thread. Grace I've stated a number of times in this forum that I'm not a Christian, you're simply provoking, rudely. I wish you'd stop.

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

I cannot begin to tell you how many stupid files my computer has on it that I refuse to open b/c of some stupid post that I clicked on unknowingly which downloaded something bogus onto my hard drive- and I guarantee that I am not the only one. Whatever they "Found" on his computer was probably the results of the virus he was having checked out. Fr. Doyle would NEVER do anything against God's will, nor the rules of the church.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

It is against God's will to wear clothes of mixed fibers. Do you think that Father Doyle has ever worn polyester shirts?

Do not wear clothes of wool and linen woven together. - Deut 22:11

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

We are Catholic. We eat Pork and Cut our hair too.Sorry, Polyester shirts aren't exactly an argument to his innocence.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

My point is, God's will is clearly stated in the Bible. He gives a list of "rules" in the OT, which are supposed to guide Christians on how to live. How can you disregard these? If you arbitrarily choose various Bible verses to support your moral structure, that is not being a true Christian.

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

If that is the case than all immoral images on all computers worldwide should be investigated by "law enforcement agencies." Trusting then that those agencies totally understand the will of God. I'm sorry, but this is getting ridiculous and your argument is simply for arguments sake and no longer pertains to Fr. Doyle and his innocence. Besides, Jesus himself said that those who are perfect may cast the first stone. Apparently the first stone has been cast. I stand beside Fr. Doyle and pray that he be protected from all this evil. The Bible also states in Revelations that His church will be attacked. This attack on Fr. Doyle proves that fact.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

Why would law enforcement agencies investigate immorality based on the will of God? Many areas of God's will doesn't overlap with governmental procedures - separation of Church and State, etc. The issue here is how Father Doyle will stand in God's court. Why would authorities be involved here if it was just "standard immoral images?" Doesn't it make you suspicious that the police would became entangled in this, if it was just normal sexually explicit images? You are closing your eyes to the work of the Devil, and letting him move like a lion through your flock. Congratulations.

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

Cast your judgement, I will not. How the Lord sees Fr. Doyle is for the Lord and Him alone. Fr. is currently under investigation by a "governmental agency". My previous statement still stands. Fr. Doyle is a good Christian man. I believe that the investigation is bogus. I stand beside him and pray for his protection through this evil.

Sequoia 1 year, 5 months ago

Oh, for Pete's sake. There is no biblical prophecy being played out in this incident, and you don't know jack about God's court until you're standing there yourself. Let's come back to planet Earth.

FWIW, the November Facebook hack involved a lot more than "standard immoral images." The filter won't let me post links to news stories about the hack, but you can look them up yourself. The images were much more disturbing than run-of-the-mill naked chicks.

You can't really blame the media here, but they got themselves involved, so IF this story has a simple answer, the media has a duty to report it. And, I think they also have a duty to ask some hard questions to the people who initiated the investigation. Nobody really knows what is going on here, but if this is a case of people mindlessly following procedure without a reasonable situational awareness, then that is also a story.

And for goodness sake, people: Get smart about Facebook and the internet. Learn what phishing is, and learn how to spot scams. Don't click on shady looking links. Kids need to help their elders with this.

asb 1 year, 5 months ago

Many many people were hit with Facebook pedophilia and beastiality and animal cruelty images recently in a very clever attack that took FB staff serious effort to stop. Professional p-orn dealers infect pc's with malware that use the infected pc to re-distribute the information. Those types of images aren't usually visible to the user or even casual tech staff.

JCLifer 1 year, 5 months ago

Those rules in the Old Testament were written for the JEWS. They were written long before Christ came on the scene. I don't think you can say that they were written for Christians to follow, since Jesus came and broke the old law and replaced it with the Gospel.

january 1 year, 5 months ago

Catholics believe Deuteronomic Code, which you cited, to be fulfilled through Jesus and the creation of the church. That is why Catholics (maybe all christians) do not follow this and other codes in Deuteronomy.

JCLifer 1 year, 5 months ago

Father Doyle is not sinless. Only one man was without sin. Father Doyle is a sinner just like everyone else in the world. He is just a man-- not God.

Christ_Was_Arab 1 year, 5 months ago

I thought that there would be a stronger condemnation for Father Doyle. I'm ashamed that many of Jefferson City's "Christians" find it acceptable to pick-and-choose morality from the Scriptures, instead of accurately representing the Will of God and condemning sexual immorality.

innocentjudgement 1 year, 5 months ago

I'm ashamed that you find it acceptable to pick and choose morality from the Scriptures and instead of LOVING ALL GOD'S CREATURES you condemn them and judge them. JUDGEMENT IS FOR THE LORD ALONE.

JMO 1 year, 5 months ago

I know absolutely nothing about Fr. Doyle. I'm not Catholic. But I'm ashamed that so many people find it acceptable to condemn a man simply because there is an investigation. If he is guilty of something, the investigation will show it. Until then, a real Christian would not cast the first stone.

Mr_Grimm 1 year, 5 months ago

Your vomit spouting of the bible makes me sick. im going to ignore any further comments by you.

I know Doyle also, have no concerns that this will come up as nothing. I too heard his FB account was hacked, and have also had my FB account hacked. I have been "tagged" in photos that portray me as a "woman" doing naughty things. last time i checked im a short, chubby, balding guy so i think im pretty safe there. I would think that when HE is the one bringing this to the attention of the school it should pretty obvious. I just wish i was back in his religion class when this is over.....the amount of grief i would have given him would kill me from joy! Nothing is funnier than a frustrated red faced Fr. Doyle!!!

wow 1 year, 5 months ago

For those of you who say the Priest couldn't have done anything like this...ya better recognize and remember your Bible lessons...cause somewhere in the book there is reference to a fella who witnessed the miracles of "the son of man", yet denied his very existence. Also there were others who denied knowing Jesus as well. Now if man will stoop that low as to send the Son of God to the cross. What makes you think this Priest is any different. Oh sure I hope it turns out to be nothing. But I also know man can be a cruel beast at times.

There is something on his computer or it would not have been snatched for evidence. I say get to the bottom of the matter and let's move on.

starbuck 1 year, 5 months ago

What ever happened to Father Thomas Seifner? Just a couple years ago he was accused of inappropriate electronic communication with a minor and was placed on leave. Lots of folks were shocked and jumped to his defense.

I'm telling you, nothing surprises me any more.

airwolfe 1 year, 5 months ago

It sounds like typical emotions when these sorts of allegations first come out...GUILTY! If some of you would have followed the news around Nov. 15, it made national news that facebook users were experiencing their accounts being hacked and unwanted posts of nude women were appearing on their "posts" like they had placed it. How do hackers do this and why...who knows. Well, the little prank the hackers pulled has severely damaged a wonderful man. How do I know you may ask? Sure...Fr. Doyle and I happen to be friends on facebook and I seen the post that was supposed to be sent from him along with it that day the same gaphic picture posted by many of my other "friends" on facebook. These were very graphic pictures and anyone in their sane mind wouldn't post these lest a respected priest who has dedicated his life to the Christian Community. When Fr. is cleared of any wrong doing..and I say "when" not "if", I just hope all the media works as hard to announce his innocense as hard as they worked to make it headline news. Media outlets, please make his innocense headline news when it is announced. It's very sad to see that a man who tried to stay connected to his friends on a social network is crucified in this manner. In retalliation for the mistakes made by not protecting it's users I have deactivated my facebook account and I hope many people make the same choice to support Fr. Doyle and his public humiliation. Laren A. Haslag

JCsleeper 1 year, 5 months ago

Judge not lest you be judged.

airwolfe 1 year, 5 months ago

Dear Mr. or Miss Linoge.......I hope that drug eddiction never effects your family. It is a very evil substance sent to us from the devil himself. It's obvious that you have never been hit by the effects of it or you would understand it better. Remember Karma and be ready for it as it ussually comes at some point and when it does, I'll pray for you and your afflicted one. Maybe some compassion on your part for the misfortune of others would be a great positive for the community. i also, as you are well aware do not hide behind a screen name....Why do you? Anything you say, in my opinion, to the public you should be willing to say who you are! How pathetic........Laren A. Haslag

2warped757 1 year, 5 months ago

I am lost - what does drug addiction have to do with this story? And who is Mr. or Miss Linoge? I think you may have posted this comment to the wrong article.

airwolfe 1 year, 5 months ago

After i made this post, this person decided to attack my son Leif who fought drug addiction and wound up in trouble...The post they put was obviously removed by NT. It was a personal attack and I was merely answering it...so without their post it makes no sense. It's so pathetic that some people are so angry within themselves that they resort to that kind of attack. We all need to reach out to each other in the time of need..it would sure be a different world! Laren Haslag

lovemykids 1 year, 5 months ago

In our system you are innocent until proven guilty. Until the investigation is complete no one will know for sure what happened. If he is found guilty, then throw out your judgements.

TG 1 year, 5 months ago

‎"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Luke 6:41 NIV)

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7 NIV) Everyone bashing on Doyle should probably read these passages and know that everyone has done shameful things so worry about your problems Before your are so quick to judge another persons alleged faults.

yamahamian 1 year, 5 months ago

The newspaper reporting a story is not a problem here - the problem lies with the allowance of all the "keyboard cowboys" comments that have no value whatsoever to the reporting of the story. When will the management of this 'newspaper' realize this?

muleman 1 year, 5 months ago

I can tell you that Fr. Doyle is innocent of any of the accusations made against him, just wait and see. I have known him since 1983 and a more devoted priest I have never met. Fr. Doyle has been there for anyone that needed him, anytime, anywhere. He has helped me thru a few rough spells as a kid, teenager, and adult. If there is one priest I would turn to for advice and guidance in the Jefferson City Diocese, It would be Brendan Doyle. All you judgemental people that do not even know him make me sick. Keep your head up Brendan, this will pass. Dan Kleindienst

airwolfe 1 year, 5 months ago

Thanks Dan for your post, I agree with you entirely...Fr. Doyle is a Saint. My wish is that the media uses his proven innocense for headline news like it did for his possible guilt. Also Dan, thanks for attaching your name to your post. If comments made here have any merit, why do people who make these posts hide behind a screen name. i can't say that about everyone here, but personal attacks made by some...again, if people feel that strong about their opinions...please attach your name! I guess they fall under Yamahanian's term of "keyboarrd cowboys",,,that's a good one. Thanks NT for monitoring posts. With the mass amount of prayers and support, Fr. Doyle, a beloved priest and fellow human being, will be back to nomal in a very few short days. Let's all help each other in time of distress! Laren Haslag

muleman 1 year, 5 months ago

I have no problem putting my real name on posts that I make in here, but I have nothing to hide either. I wonder how many of those making negative comments have ever met the man? KRGG posts have gone under facebook accounts now, so most have a posters real identity on them, NT could do the same. There has been a lot less racial and general slamming of people since they changed their format. I have to agree that Fr. Doyle is as close to a saint as any man I have ever known

online_editor 1 year, 5 months ago

Thanks for the feedback about this. We've spent about 2 1/2 years moderating these forums in a way designed to encourage civilized discussions about issues surrounding the news, and discourage participants from personally attacking each other. (See the forum guidelines for details.) I'm biased but I honestly don't believe all anonymous forums expend the same effort nudging folks to focus on issues like we have. Naturally, moderating a forum involves making judgment calls and no human can make those perfectly. It also requires us to do more work and rely on you to help by flagging comments or steering things back on track, but we do believe fewer people would be commenting on issues, especially state workers about state government, if their boss automatically knew their names. Even with forum anonymity and moderation, each participant should realize they're legally responsible for their own words. Forum anonymity won't protect someone against legal action if they make libelous accusations. It is an option here to display one's name or log in with one's Facebook account, and that can add to one's credibility, but as of now, it's not a requirement. It might well be so sometime in the future, especially if too many participants fail to exercise responsibility along with their privileges, but at the moment, we believe that anonymity plus moderation can promote issue-oriented speech which might otherwise be squelched. In this case, while some posts on this page express generalized suspicion, others respond by explaining the recent Facebook hack, attesting to Fr. Doyle's character, urging the media to be fair following up, and defending the concept of innocent until proven guilty. We hope that's valuable communication. --Rick Brown, online editor, News Tribune

airwolfe 1 year, 5 months ago

Thanks Rick......nice work! Laren Haslag

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