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Former priest at St. Mary accused of misconduct with minor Date published: 5/8/2007
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE
A former priest at St. Mary Catholic Church in Fredericksburg has been temporarily relieved of his duties while the Arlington Diocese investigates allegations of misconduct. The Rev. Christopher Buckner, 54, served at St. Mary from 1992 to 2000 before leaving to become a faculty member with the Catholic Distance University. An accuser came forth to allege that Buckner engaged in "inappropriate conduct with a minor between 1992 and 1994," according to a news release from the Arlington Diocese. The diocese extends from Frederick County, Md., to Spotsylvania County. The accusation of abuse involved a parishioner at St. Mary, director of communications for the diocese, Soren Johnson, said yesterday. Buckner has denied the allegations, the news release said. The diocese has reported the accusations to the authorities, and Buckner has been placed on administrative leave while the diocese investigates the claims. Buckner was a priest at St. Mary when Holy Cross Academy opened in southern Stafford in 1998. He was also known for leading annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Under a policy updated in 2003, any priest that is determined to have abused a minor will be permanently removed from ministry. The diocesan Child Protection Policy is online at arlingtondiocese.org, under Child Protection and Safety. Anyone who knows of misconduct or abuse can notify the diocesan victim assis- tance coordinator, Patricia Mudd at 703/841-2530. Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973Email: aumble@freelancestar.com
The best way to teach your children the importance of the Blessed Sacrament & First Holy Communion is by your own example; to show reverence and respect in church. Fr. Bucker may not have always handled every instance tactfully, but he was the most reverent & faith-filled man I have ever known. In general, people are too critical of clergy. They are humans too and have faults like the rest of us. (This is NOT meant to excuse the actions of those who have been found guilty of improper behaviors)
Of course he yelled in the microphone... Church is not a gymnasium!!! a lot of people go to 1st communion & such & treat the church like it is a party. It is a church no matter what religion you are & everyone catholic or non should be respectful when they ener a place of worship! Good for Father Buckner for trying to keep his church a place of worship! There is nothing worse than walking into church & trying to pray only to hear people having a field day!!!! He was a good man, he is in my prayers!
I believe we should keep Father Buckner and his accuser and all involved in this terrible situation in our prayers.
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