A Roman Catholic church in Louisiana has faced criticism after its parish bulletin solicited prayers for a former priest convicted of sexual assault, without mentioning his victims. Anthony Odiong, who served at St Anthony of Padua in Luling, was sentenced to life in prison in Texas for crimes against two women.
One of the victims, identified as Mary Doe, encouraged the church community to also pray for survivors. Another victim, Jane Doe, expressed sadness rather than anger. Attorney Kristi Schubert, representing another woman who spoke out, said she was 'profoundly disappointed' the bulletin did not include a prayer intention for abuse survivors.
Letitia Peyton of the TentMakers non-profit said praying for an abuser without naming victims sends a message that 'the comfort of the community and the reputation of the church matter more than the cries of the wounded'. The archdiocese of New Orleans said a congregant requested Odiong's inclusion, citing the call to pray for those who have turned away from God.
Odiong was convicted of first- and second-degree sexual assault for exploiting his spiritual authority. The jury sentenced him to life imprisonment, with parole eligibility after 30 years, and fined him $30,000. The archdiocese stated that Archbishop James Checchio has instructed the pastor to include victims in prayers in coming weeks.
