Hello, Kirk Mitchell.
Andy Burke.
I’m calling you because I really don’t think I have the emotional wherewithal to meet with you this soon, although I very much appreciate the opportunity that you are giving me to meet with you. I do think that it is very important to tell you as far as my side of the story is concerned, the original account that (an altar boy) gave to the diocese – and I think you have that – in its essentials is correct. I may disagree with some details in it, but in its essentials it is accurate.
Beyond that, any allegations of worse sexual activity or other issues is simply not true. I need to make a sharp distinction between the inappropriate behavior described in the first account and any other activity.
That said, I know I failed as a priest. I failed (the altar boy) and his family, and I certainly failed the church, and for that I am deeply sorry. I’m hoping that some opportunity to help things will be there. Although my original interest in meeting with (the altar boy) was not accepted.
At any rate, I want to at least make that much clarification to you and thank you very much.
