To the editor:
Jeffrey Monforton is no longer the bishop of the Diocese of Steubenville. It has been a long time coming and appears too late to save the diocese. Retired Bishop Paul Bradley, former bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich., was named as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Steubenville.
In keeping with the Catholic church's record of moving clergy with questionable issues or problems to another parish or diocese, Monforton has been assigned to the Archdiocese of Detroit as one of its five auxiliary bishops. It is highly unusual for a diocesan bishop to become an auxiliary since this is perceived as a demotion in terms of responsibility.
Monforton said he was informed of the decision on Sept. 28. He said Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre, the pope's envoy in America, called to tell him of his appointment.
In the Sept. 29 edition of the Herald-Star, Bradley said he received a call the previous week from Christophe Pierre with the news of his appointment to the Diocese of Steubenville. If this is true, Bradley knew he was replacing Monforton several days before Monforton said he was informed of the decision by Pierre.
In Sept. 28 Crux article, Monforton said he wasn't given a reason for the decision and "didn't ask" for one. Do you really believe he wasn't told why he was being moved or didn't ask why? What possible reason(s) could there be?
Is the removal a result of two Vatican-ordered investigations?
Is it because of the criminal convictions of the diocese's former finance officer and diocesan vicar general, who each admitted that they had embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the diocese?
Is it because of alleged mishandling of several cases of sexual misconduct?
Is it because of the million-dollar lawsuit that the diocese financially settled in 2022 before going to trial?
Is it because of the questions surrounding the millions of dollars in restricted donations for the cathedral renovation project and the unknown status of those donations?
Is it because of the financial audit that Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati facilitated that began in February?
Is it because many diocesan priests voiced their dissatisfaction with autocratic leadership, competence and ability to lead the flock and recruit new members?
The members will probably never know the true and transparent answers to these questions and the reasons behind the decision.
In Sept. 28 edition of The Pillar, Vatican sources said that the plan to merge Steubenville with Columbus is likely to move forward with more consultation of clergy and laity before a formal announcement.
The merger appears to be inevitable and Monforton is directly responsible. He escaped to Detroit and will not have to face the members. However, he will hear their voices loud and clear when they say you scattered and led your flock astray.
Jesus says in Jeremiah 23:1, "Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture"
Frank Krajovic
Woodstock, Ga.