Letter to the Editor

I have recently sent a letter to the editor of the Smoky River Express in hopes to get it published. Granted not a big paper, but I think it is an important issue. Here is a copy for you to read.

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you to shed light on a grim situation that took place in our diocese a few weeks ago. On Sept. 29^th, catholic priests Father Guy Noël Okamba and Father Joseph Ndinga Lamellière, residing in Girouxville, were relieved of their pastoral responsibilities and ordered to depart. The arch-diocese claimed to have sufficient evidence to support their actions. However, the improper investigation of the accusations and the acknowledgment of taking inappropriate disciplinary action against Father Noël and Father Joseph lead me to believe their decision was ill-advised.

The Girouxville Parish was shocked to find Father Charles Lavoie, vicar for the arch-diocese, presiding the Sunday Mass Oct. 2^nd. During his opening remarks he informed us that he, along with Father Petitpas of Grande-Prairie and the Arch-Bishop, his Excellency Msg. Arthé Guimond, had come to a decision Sept. 27^th to dismiss Father Noël of his parish duties. Father Lavoie informed us that the decision was based on accusations brought forth to him by parishioners Sept. 26^th regarding the Sept. 25^th mass. He stated he was surprised by the accusations as the week of Sept. 18^th, he and Father Noël had had productive and optimistic discussions regarding both Father Noël and Father Joseph’s duties and future roles in the Arch-Diocese. But, on Sept. 29^th, he presented Father Noël and Father Joseph a letter of dismissal. It immediately relinquished all of Father Noël’s duties as parish priest for Girouxville, Tangent and Eaglesham, informing them to vacate the rectory within 48 hours. Father Lavoie continued to tell us he advised Father Noël and Father Joseph it would be in their best interest to return to their country of origin. Two things must be noted here: 1. Prior to the Sept. 25^th mass, the Arch-Diocese had no intention of dismissing Father Noël or Father Joseph; 2. the dismissal letter was written and presented to Father Noël and Father Joseph before they were allowed to defend themselves of the accusations made. Should Father Lavoie not have discussed any parish concerns with Father Noël, the parish priest, to work together in a positive manner before even approaching our hospitalized Archbishop and Father Petitpas to address a required punishment? Is that not a normal process of investigation? Why would the Arch-Diocese condemn a fellow priest with such draconian disciplinary actions without allowing Father Noël and Father Joseph the chance to answer to the accusations? Are we not all innocent until proven guilty?

In the question period that replaced the homily, Father Lavoie did not reveal the accusations made against Father Noël. He did, however, inform us that the accusations were a direct result of the September 25^th mass. We can then extrapolate information from the mass in question. It was a regular Sunday mass that included the participation in a special cross-Canada collection of donations, destined for the Canadian Arch-Bishops Fund. Father Noël emphasized the importance of supporting this collection, as monies would be used on a national scale for pastoral projects. He then requested the collection be counted by finance committee members and the total be announced at the end of the ceremony. Would this be cause for dismissal?

When we confronted Father Lavoie about the severity of the diocesan ruling, he admitted that Father Noël and Father Joseph were indeed unreasonably treated. Why did the representatives of our diocesan Catholic Church impose excessive disciplinary action for inane concerns? Does this reflect the churches teaching? Where is the respect and understanding we so openly advocate?

Father Noël and Father Joseph were outgoing and were well liked among those of all ages. They went down the aisles of our churches and down the streets of our towns to shake our hands and get to know us. They were kind and compassionate and they respected us all, no matter skin color, religion, gender or cultural background. Why would the Arch-Diocese want to expulse them? Could we not have benefited from having them among us? Father Guy-Noël Okamba has a doctorate in Theology with a thesis in Canon Law and is presently working towards a doctorate in philosophy; he has worked numerous years at the Vatican having had private audiences with Pope John-Paul II; he has mastered 10 languages, English being his 11^th. Father Joseph Ndinga-Lamellière, university professor of theology and sciences, also speaks numerous languages, and is a spokesperson for Amnesty International. Why were these men not treated with proper dignity and decorum? Was Father Noël’s and Father Joseph’s expulsion nothing more than a vile act of intolerance and bigotry? What kind of example is our Arch-Diocese making?

It is true that we are allowed our opinions and we are allowed to disagree with one another, but we are not allowed to let these personal feelings take place in decisions that affect the lives of others. It is our responsibility as a society to conduct ourselves in a civil, diplomatic and tactful manner. It seems our Arch-Diocese has done otherwise. We had two very dynamic, friendly, highly educated people here that were involved in our community and wanted to help us grow and we’ve lost them.

Alain Johnson, BSc.