OUTRAGEOUS

Posted by Michelle Anderson Jan 19, 2007

I read with disgust and disbelief the account of Rev. Rodney L. Rodis out of Pennsylvania. He is currently facing charges of embezzling more than $1 million from his parish while he served as pastor. He has since retired and is living with a woman in a comfortable home, according to media reports. I guess any person has the capability of choosing the wrong thing but I tend to hold religious to a higher standard.

I can't help but think, what could have that money been used for. Could it have supplied a year's worth of food and shelter for 20 families in need in his parish? Could it have funded a program for teenage mothers to help them get on their feet and create a great future for their children? Could it have heated the homes of the city's elderly who couldn't afford the oil?

I can't help feeling personally wronged in situations like this. I give a portion of my earnings to the church and I trust that the money will find its way to those in need. If true, this was an outrageous breach of trust.