August 15, 2002

A Seventh Open Letter to Bishop James C. Timlin, Diocese of Scranton

Dear Bishop Timlin,

It has been reported to me that the Fraternity of St. Peter has decided to relieve Mr. Alan Hicks of his position as Headmaster of St. Gregory's Academy by buying out the remaining years on his contract.

But, the report goes, you are fearful that Mr. Hicks, if he is relieved of his position, will make the federal lawsuit more difficult for the Diocese of Scranton, and therefore you, through your auxiliary bishop, John Dougherty, are pressuring the Fraternity to keep Mr. Hicks as Headmaster of St. Gregory's Academy.

If this is true, Bishop Timlin, then you and Bishop Dougherty are engaged in a criminal conspiracy designed to suborn a key witness in a federal lawsuit.

Pax vobiscum,