Prayer Request

Ok, I know there is a great deal of Catholic bashing, but I have friends that attend St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fayetteville, AR, and they are going through a rough time at the moment. This kind of situation is very sad, and I ask that you keep them in your prayers as this progresses.

FAYETTEVILLE — The diocese has removed the Rev. Bradley Barber from his pastoral role at St. Joseph Catholic Churchin Fayetteville after an accusation of sexual assault.The allegation is under investigation by both the church and the Washington County prosecutor, a church official and attorney said. No criminal charges have been filed, said officials with the Diocese of Little Rock.The accuser is in his early 20s and alleges that Barber forced him to engage in sexual activity Tuesday between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. at Barber's home, said the Rev. Francis Malone, chancellor for ecclesial affairs with the Diocese of Little Rock. Malone read a letter to parishioners during masses this weekend at St. Joseph. Malone said the letter was from Bishop Anthony Taylor of the Little Rock Diocese. Taylor said it was "the saddest letter I ever had to write."...

Barber, 53, is a former Episcopal priest. He and his wife joined the St. Joseph parish in 2007. He moved to Fayetteville from the Corpus Christi, Texas, Diocese. Officials there are being informed of the sexual assault allegations, Malone read from the letter.In an August 2007 Arkansas Catholic news article, Barber was critical of the Episcopal church for ordaining women, recognizing same sex relationships and allowing openly gay priests."Theologically, I knew I was Catholic," Barber is quoted as saying in the article.Smith said the accuser is awaiting a decision by Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John Threet, who will determine if any criminal charges will be filed against Barber.

Again, I am only asking that you pray for the congregation, the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator that healing, comfort and justice will all prevail.