(KMJ) – The Catholic Diocese of Fresno issues an official response following last week’s resignation of a South Valley Monsignor.
Thursday’s announcement by Monsignor Craig Harrison follows the dropping of a pair of sexual misconduct charges against him and word he will not drop the defamation lawsuit he filed against the Diocese
Here is the response from The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno:
The Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Fresno received notice on February 18, 2021 that Reverend Monsignor Craig Fr. Harrison has petitioned the Holy See for dispensation from the obligations of the clerical state and resignation as Pastor of Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Bakersfield.
Msgr. Harrison’s petition and resignation have been accepted and the Diocese of Fresno will begin the necessary canonical processes associated with these requests. The Diocese of Fresno will not provide any further comment in an effort to preserve the privacy of all parties concerned and because of the ongoing civil matter involving the parties.
Laicization of a priest, whether requested by the cleric or by a bishop, is always a difficult and even a sad moment in the Church. It is accompanied by a broad spectrum of emotions and much prayerfulness on the part of all concerned. This is true not only before the process has begun, but also long after its conclusion. God help us all.
