An organization defending victims of clergy sexual abuse is calling out a Falmouth priest for allegedly rebuffing its leaders.
“Our pastor, Rev. Steven Cartwright, won’t tell us why he is refusing to meet with us,” the group says in an “open letter” released to the media.
Paul Kendrick of Freeport and Michael Sweatt of North Yarmouth, co-founders of Voice of the Faithful in Maine, said they are “surprised and disappointed” Cartwright cancelled a meeting with them.
“Your outright dismissal and rejection, without explanation, of our desire to meet face to face with you has the scent of clericalism, which, you should know, we are loathe to accept,” they wrote to him.
Kendrick told The Maine Wire he wants to know why Cartwright “is refusing to get together and speak with two baptized Catholics who, according to canon law, are members of the parishes where he serves as pastor.”
Kendrick said he sees no need beyond that to have to explain or justify why they want to meet with a priest.
The group’s letter described “clericalism” as “a system where clergy hold excessive power, authority and status, creating a divide between them and the non-ordained members which can often lead to diminished lay participation in the church.”
Voice of the Faithful, founded more than 20 years ago, calls itself “persistent, outspoken advocates for meaningful justice for terribly wounded victims of sexual abuse by priests and church workers.”
Cartwright, pastor of Parish of the Holy Eucharist in Falmouth, was unavailable for comment.
