Reputation Thief

Isabel Dennis -Cummings is the author of this post.

"who steals my purse steals trash; tis something, nothing; 'twas mine, 'tis his and has been slaves to thousands. But he that fliches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed." William Shakespeare

The allegations against Msgr. Harris brings Shakespeare's words into 2008 reality. The Archdiocesan press release in August manifested another 2008 reality that we have witnessed that when black men are accused they are deemed GUILTY to be proven otherwise.

The excuse that the Bishops Dallas 2002 remedy to solve the sins of the priest by providing aid/sympathy for the alleged victim and public exposure to the priest - takes the situation over the top. What happened to innocent until proven guilty or privacy until the trial / inquiry is proven. WOULD JESUS SANCTION SUCH A TRAVESTY?

If this is the reward for years of dedicated service; submission to the establishment; being the BEST - then it begs the question whether Men of Color native born to America should entertain a life of priestly ministry. It appears the Archdiocese sees the profit of the cosmopolitan, highly educated, foreign born to fulfill the priest quota and the color diversity publicity perception.

The Harris assassination motivates the wondering about the current status of the Black priest in the New York Archdiocese - who are they - where are they - are there any active or are most in a controlled box of inactivity like Msgr. Harris?

The procedure for justice to address allegations against priest accused of child molestation needs to be thorough, within a reasonable time frame and sensitive to both the alleged victim and alleged accused. Protection, Privacy, Sensitivity must be ingredients in this process. Honesty in this process must be key for Justice.

Wallace Harris has become the sacrificial lamb in this 2008 mismanagement of justice. God is showing us, this procedure ruins the reputation of the man and leaves him damaged forever.

Shakespeare's wisdom, Jesus Christ story, the black mans struggle in racist America manifested in the Msgr. Wallace Harris travesty.

Isabel Dennis- Cummings

Faith in a Good Man!

I first met Msgr. Harris in September of 1983 back when he was just Fr. Harris to those of us that knew him well. He was certainly an intimidating presence back then....especially when you are 5'3 and 125 lbs soaking wet. He came off as a stern disciplinarian at first but I quickly grew to realize that he was smart, kind, and a very witty guy that just wanted the best for all of us at Cathedral Prep. I will always remember Fr. Harris telling me to stand up straight at the Clairvaux Retreat House after I grew to a towering 5'6. I often thought of that as I proceeded to grow almost another foot. I learned a lot from Fr. Harris about never giving up, always try to find humor in every situation, and always being prepared to put your best foot forward in everything that you pursue.

The man that I knew couldn't hurt a young man and anyone for that manner. I truly believe that his accusers have misconstrued situations. I'm quiet sure that Fr. Harris will face this adversity with dignity and his faith will only grow. There are thousands of people that have faith in this man so hopefully this terrible situation will end in a fair conclusion.

Ed McCool
Cathedral Prep (Class of '87)

The Godfather...

It has been over 10 weeks since you were taken away. You are missed by so many people, but I know you are well aware of that. I know how much you miss everyone as well!

Hopefully, this terrible nightmare will quickly come to an end, and we can once again make our BJ Wholesale runs, “One-Day Only” shopping trips, and countless other wacky adventures we have done thru the years.

Most importantly, your guidance, leadership, the understanding you provide and the love you show me and my family is what I miss the most in this unusual time of forced separation.

So until we meet again; know that I love you and pray for your speedy return every single day.

Love Always!

The Godson...

Say Something

Statement on Monsignor Wallace Harris by the Archdiocese of NY

FOR RELEASE: August 3, 2008
For further information:
Joseph Zwilling
(212) 371-1011 ext. 2997

"An allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor against Reverend Monsignor Wallace Harris, Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Parish, has been received by the Archdiocese of New York. In accord with Archdiocesan policy and the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the matter was immediately investigated by the Archdiocese and then referred to the Office of the District Attorney for Manhattan. The District Attorney’s Office conducted its own investigation, in the course of which it received a second allegation, which it subsequently reported to the Archdiocese. Monsignor Harris has therefore been directed to step aside from his position as pastor and is not permitted to function as a priest until such time as the Archdiocesan Advisory Review Board has studied the matter and made its recommendations to the Archdiocese. Monsignor Harris has denied the allegations, which concern actions that allegedly occurred twenty years ago."

AS YOU CAN SEE THE ABOVE STATEMENT WAS RELEASED ON AUGUST 3, 2008, THE DAY BEFORE THE PARISHIONERS OF ST. CHARLES WHERE TOLD THAT MSGR. HARRIS WAS REMOVED.

TODAY IS OCTOBER 1, 2008, ACTUALLY 2 MONTHS SINCE MSGR. HARRIS WAS REMOVED FROM ST.CHARLES (he was rushed out like a thief in the night the Thursday before the grand announcement).

THIS IS THE UPDATE:

• No advisory board meeting yet.


• Now we have 11 accusers.


• No more statements from the Archdiocese.


• No visits to St. Charles from any Archdiocesan officials.


• No show of support or comfort to the Parish


• NOTHING AT ALL!!!!

THIS MAN HAS BEEN FAITHFUL AND LOYAL TO THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE PAST 35+ YEARS, AND THIS IS HIS REWARD FOR BEING A TRUE AND FAITHFUL DEDICATED SERVANT TO HIS CHURCH. WHAT HASN'T HE DONE FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAS HE ALONE BROUGHT INTO THE CHURCH? HOW MANY BOARDS/ORGANIZATIONS/COMMITTEES HAS HE SERVED ON? HOW MANY TIMES HAS BEEN CALLED TO REPRESENT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK? HOW MUCH MONEY HAS HE RAISED FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE?

And all of that now means NOTHING. I guess right now i should be more like my teacher and mentor and just be OBEDIENT AND LOYAL to the Church of New York. Hell NO, my mentor and teacher instilled values in me along with obedience and loyalty like following the actions of Jesus. Jesus walked among the accused, and stood up for them.

For the past 5 weeks at St. Charles, we have been told to pray, be silent, wait, and to not do anything to hurt MSGR. any more, keep tithing, sign up, don't talk to the press and so on and so on. I HAD ENOUGH OF THAT. please someone tell me what are we waiting for, who are we waiting for and why are we waiting?

• MSGR. didn't give you a chance to wait to sign up, he told you what he needed you to do.


• MSGR. didn't bite his tongue, he said what he had to say and didn't care about your little feelings.


• MSGR. needed money for a project, and you gave your money for the completion.


• MSGR. was loyal to 1011 first avenue, but he was not afraid of the archdiocese.


• MSGR. is our leader, and he has EMPOWERED each and every one of us to lead.

SO IT IS TIME TO LEAD MY FELLOW MSGR. HARRIS SUPPORTERS. IT IS TIME TO CARRY THE MANTEL UNTIL MSGR. RETURNS. SINCE WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING SINCE AUGUST 3, 2008; WE CANT POSSIBLY BELIEVE MSGR. HARRIS IS BEING TREATED JUSTLY BY THE GOOD ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK.

BUT IF THAT IS THE CASE AND THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER TO HELP THEIR LOYAL AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.......... THEN OPEN YOUR MOUTHS AND TELL US SOMETHING.

BETTER YET, LET MSGR. HARRIS SPEAK!

Either one will be good for me, I will continue to pray but the Archdiocese will not receive another penny from me or my family until this humiliation of MSGR. HARRIS IS OVER.

David Dennis - Class of 1987

THE NEXT GREAT COMMISSION...

The Great Commission, in Christian tradition, is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples, that they spread his teachings to all the nations of the world.

The most familiar version of the Great Commission is depicted in Matthew 28:16-20:

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Why do I bring this up? What does the Great Commission have to do with this Blog or the situation surrounding Msgr. Harris? Two very important reasons that are the very true foundation and heart of the Roman Catholic Church. One may escape you, since not all will answer the calling. And that is to spread the Good News of God as a priest. Second, here Jesus gave his final mortal instructions to the remaining eleven disciples to go out and be His canon, His voice and tell the story of Jesus Christ and let all peoples know from every land that forgiveness and complete redemption can only be found thru Him. Jesus gave these men the Power to forgive sins just as He had forgave sins and He also gave them the authority to go out confidently and proclaim the Word knowing that He would always be by their side and their place in the Kingdom of Heaven was awaiting them; but first they had work to do.

So, these men went out and preached, recruited and baptized in His name and started to build the Church as we know it. Or do we really know it? Question? What if these men decided to go home after Jesus left them and do nothing? What if they were all just "Yes Men" and simply chose the easier route and the safer path of no danger and less headaches? The Roman Empire and many Jewish Leaders were still after them and wanted them silenced at all costs. What if they decided to just clam up and do NOTHING? This is an ironic tale because it mirrors and runs parallel to the exact same instincts that many people in this situation regarding Msgr. Harris would have the Men of Cathedral Prep do. What? Absolutely Nothing!! How does this follow in the words of Jesus?

It is our understanding that the BEST coarse of action according to many is to just pray and take NO action whatsoever. The Archdiocese will handle it in a proper way to ensure Wally is given his day in court. Whatever that means! I tell you all now; everyone that is reading this Blog, that this is not the nature of the Prep men that Msgr. Wallace Harris taught in high school, mentored thru college and has been a devout and loyal friend for over 25-30 years. Like the remaining eleven apostles, I too have been given my instructions and know in my heart what I must do and that is NOT to sit back and wait and just pray. This NEW GREAT COMMISSION did not come from Wally's Lips nor did it come from a voice in the clouds or a burning bush. My directive came from men like Fr. Sal LaSalla, Fr. Eddy O'Halloran, Msgr. George Thompson, Fr. Kevin Neelan, Fr. Gerry Walsh (now Bishop Walsh), Fr. James Sullivan, Fr. Wallace Harris and even John Cardinal O'Connor. All these men, priests yes, but more importantly our teachers and role models during our time at Cathedral Prep. These priests instilled in us the desire to be good Christian men proclaiming our faith and told us to shout from mountains on high for all to hear; because how will people know who you are and what you have to say unless they hear your voice; especially when held in darkness. Isn't it ironic that our sport teams were known as the Cathedral Prep Canons? Now, all of a sudden, people want the Canons to sit dormant and quiet. Doesn't make sense to me....

There is nothing wrong about voicing support for someone you believe in. There is nothing wrong with showing that support either. Fear is probably the most powerful weapon one can use against another; it's the Devil's own WMD. Fear is the EXACT opposite of what Christianity is all about. Those eleven men were in danger of losing their lives every single day but they chose NOT to be silent. They chose to be CANONS!

I want to know why people are still scared to voice their feelings on the Wally matter? Why do some do and others don't do? What is the real danger here? Wally not being allowed to go back to St. Charles and be Pastor? Is that it? Or, maybe Wally being defrocked as a priest? Maybe.. It is possible. The New York DA's office has said that Wally can't go to jail under any of these allegations, even if proven true, due to the statute of limitations having expired many years ago. So what is the fear? I understand why Wally can not speak for himself at this time. Besides his pen that drafted some of the rules and guidelines that govern his exile right now, he took a vow of obedience to the Church and to his Bishop. Fine! But that does not mean the flock has to follow the Shepherd on this journey as well. Just cause the Cardinal says so, makes it so? Maybe it is the American spirit in me that makes me cry out for swift justice and a speedy trial, but that does not seem to be the way of the Church in these cases.

I truly believe Cardinal Egan should tackle the issue head on and address it with vigor and sincerity; like Pope Benedict did on his recent US visit. The problem of sexual abuse by priests exists and we can not hide from it. It exists in every religion but just like the United States, when you're the Biggest and the Richest, everyone is gunning for you and if you are always the 500 lbs gorilla in the room, you are the easiest target to blame for the problem that exists well beyond the walls of Vatican City or St. Patrick's Cathedral. I believe Cardinal Egan should voice support for his priests and let them publicly know that he is praying for them as well as let victims know that they too have room in his heart, thoughts and prayers as well. This is not an issue to take sides either way; but as the Shepard it is his responsibility to tend to all in the flock and not just the wounded or the dead. I pray for Msgr. Harris every nite that this ordeal would come to some resolution soon and I also pray for Cardinal Egan that he may see this thru to the very end, no matter what the result because I am sure this weighs heavily on his mind and heart. He has a job to do and it must be carried out at all costs. He knows his popularity is not at the height or magnitude of a Terrance Cooke or John O'Connor. But make no mistake, he is NOT a stupid man. He knows and appreciates the gravity of the matter, but I just wish that the Cardinal, who is known for his distinct and booming voice, would listen very closely to this group of Men from the Prep and realize that more voices and testiments should be heard in suport of the man not so much the issue. Being a CANON is not just a Team Name or Mascot for us Men of Cathedral Prep, it is the way we were taught to live our daily lives.

In Matthew 10:27 Jesus instructs His followers: "Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops!"

Benjie Flores

Class of 1990

In Support Of Msgr. Wallace Harris

My first experience of school was St. Joseph's of the Holy Family in Harlem. It was walking distance from my home where I grew up with an older brother and younger sister. It was where I spent 8 years growing through childhood and adolescence. It was a place that shaped me as a man and it was the place where I met Fr. Harris. I was 6 years old then, now I'm 46. For forty years I spent minutes, hours, days, months and years in the company of Fr. Harris, now Msgr. Harris and never once was he inappropriate with me in any way.

I write these words first and foremost to make a clear statement that I believe in the innocence of Msgr. Harris. I believe that what is going on here is much bigger than what anyone currently understands. And I am certain that there are people in the Catholic community in New York City who are determined to destroy the legacy, the work and the influence of this giant of a man.

I grew up in Harlem and although I went to Catholic schools all my life, attended Church every Sunday, and learned to turn the other cheek. Let it be known that in my world only a coward accuses through the voice of another. I grew up in a place where both men and women came forward to accuse another in the light of day. And I learned on those streets that only those brave enough to be seen are worthy of reply. At this time there are 10 accusations. Of the 10 one has come forward and with that we are all certain that this one face is the face of an opportunist and a liar. And as such not worthy of further comment.

So where are the other 9? At a meeting of the 20 Cathedral Men we were able to deduce that the first two accuser's stories have numerous holes in them. And we also discovered that not one of us had been questioned or called. And that no one else that we knew had been questioned or called. To this date, no one who supports Msgr. Harris has been asked to witness for him. It would seem strange to me indeed that the Archdoicese of NY who sponsored the education of every Cathedral Prep alumnae is not interested in hearing from us. But there are two, and two seems to be enough to condemn. If Msgr. was not already condemned he would still be at St. Charles. The actions taken against him are the actions taken against those deemed guilty. And his deafening silence - a silence that he has been informed by them is necessary - further confirms that the Archdoicese of NY presumes his guilt over his innocence.

With so many new accusations, don't you think its time that we hear from him? With these new accusations being levied, don't you think its time that voices of support rise up to be heard? Or are we like sheep going to the slaughter? Too conditioned to even look up and see our fate. Too trusting to rear up and protect ourselves. Just little dumb sheep happily walking to the slaughterhouse and bringing those that we love along with us.


Brian Dunn
Class of 1981

Son of H

I write this letter with tears in my eyes and anger in my heart. I am writing in defense of a man who has basically served as a Father in my life. I speak of Monsignor Wallace A. Harris. To us who grew up with him at St. Joseph’s of the Holy Family in the 70s and 80s he is Wally, H, or The Priest with the huge afro.

As a ’85 graduate of St. Joseph’s and ’89 graduate of Cathedral Prep- I am very familiar with H as well as the accusers. For me as well as other St. Joseph’s students with only a mother at home H was not only the father figure but basketball coach, camp counselor, teacher, director of the altar boys, etc. You see main stream America- Harlem in the 70s and 80s was not the Bill Clinton, Starbucks and expensive brownstones area you know it now to be- it was the center of the Crack epidemic and making ends meet with odd jobs and the help of welfare.

My mother stressed books, Church and sports. These values were some of the same ones that H stood for and has continued to preach at St. Charles Borromeo. When deciding a high school I knew that H would continue to take care of me and help me grow spiritually and become a young adult. Cathedral Prep is basically no longer around because it was geared to stress the priesthood. Obviously that idea did not work as me and other 14 year old boys picked the school for its excellent academic reputation, its strong ties with the New York Catholic elementary schools and it just happened to be the most inexpensive Catholic Boys high school at the time. At the Prep H was a father figure to Whites, Blacks, Asians and Latinos who shared a common faith and wanted to become positive individuals in society.

In my opinion sexual predators are more than likely to violate a person they have known for a long time and have close ties to their families (a position of trust and confidence). Monsignor Harris was the dean of discipline at the school basically the person who tells young men to get to class or find a new high school. See, the first accuser did not do well at Cathedral Prep and was gone after 2 years. The second accuser graduated, played sports and was very outgoing- hardly the resume of someone who has been abused for 4 years. Then again are these men still practicing Catholics or do they resent the religion or just attempting to get back at their old Dean of Discipline? Then we have a third accuser who also has started his own church. Let’s be serious if someone molests you, you get away from them not continue to be involved with them for the next 10 years!

For this Harlem boy, Monsignor Harris is not a sexual predator. Instead, he is the father figure I needed to lead and encourage me at Cathedral Prep, Syracuse University and Hofstra University School of Law. See growing up in the 80s in Harlem usually lead to teen pregnancy, jail, drug dealing or death if one did not have the right role models. Maybe the Archdiocese of New York and District Attorneys should contact more men like me for our opinion- believe me I can get them there to testify!

Guilty by Association...

It is very uneasy to know how hypocritical we have become especially towards those in the public eye. For example Police Officers, Doctors, Lawyers and even God. We are quicker than a bullet to say something negative about all three of these professions. They're labeled as crooks, criminals, thieves and abusers of power. But ironically, we all look to them in our time of need. If you were mugged or your house was broken into who would you call?.... the Police. If you or a family member were sick who would you call?.... a Doctor. When you need legal advise or representation who would you call?... a Lawyer. And when things are great and life is treating you good or when you're out with your friends laughing, joking and enjoying life, how often does God cross your mind? But the second your in a pinch or get bad news about someone or something; all of a sudden your begging for Gods help and intervention. You even start bargaining with him just as long as He can help you out. It seems that until we are in need of someone we could care less for them or their well being. We take for granted how important these individuals are and the tremendous sacrifices they make just to be there to help us out in our time of need. Msgr. Wallace Harris is no different. False and horrific allegations have been made against him and because he is a servant of God, a Catholic Priest to be exact, he has been deemed guilt... Guilty by association.

I have had the misfortune of only having Msgr. Harris for the first two out of four years I attended the Prep. But those years have been the most influential years of my life. Although the Priesthood wasn't Gods calling for me, Msgr. Harris gave me the tools needed to succeed as a individual and as a proud Christian. He taught me discipline, hard work and persistence while still having empathy, morals, respect and faith in God. I say this to you with my hand over my heart that these are the same values I carry and use every single day of my life. I am a proud husband and father and I teach these very same values to my own children.

Let's call a spade a spade. It would be unrealistic to say that there are no bad people in the world and everybody is innocent. Truth of the matter is that there are plenty of bad people in every single race, creed, culture, group, committee, organization, etc. But it is unfair and unjust to label everyone negatively because of a few bad seeds. Such is the case with Msgr. Harris. The Lord said "Blessed are those who have not seen but still believe". If you knew him like the thousands of us do, you would know that there is no way possible that this man would be capable of committing any of the alleged actions. It's not in his makeup. So please view this matter and more importantly him, with a open mind. Let the testimonials of the thousands of people who have been lucky enough and blessed to know this man be the proof everyone needs to know that he is innocent. He is just another victim of a individual who is in the public eye.....

Victor Popovic
Cathedral Prep Class of '91

My response to a NY Post article

Responding to Ed Robinson of the Post.

My name is Richard Murphy. I received a call this afternoon from a dear friend and high-school classmate informing me of the allegations made against Fr. Wallace Harris. I am so upset to think that anyone would accuse this man of being anything less than a mentor and a good friend. As a young high-school student at Cathedral Prep, transplanted from rural Ireland at the age of 15, I found myself alone in the big city. I was the odd man out but was so warmly welcomes at my new school unequaled to this day. Adding to this welcome was the faculty of which Fr. Harris was an out spoken member. I developed a close relationship with Fr. Harris during my time at the Prep and can say from the bottom of my heart that I did and still do have total faith in the purity of this man's heart. I am proud to say that Fr. Harris presided over my wedding, a moment that these false allegations will never take away from me. I stand by Fr. Harris in his denial of these allegations and welcome any call or correspondence from anyone seeking further information or comment.

Sincerely,

Richard Murphy

Cathedral Prep-Class of 90'

We Come This Far By Faith..........

"WE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH , LEANING ON THE LORD, TRUSTING HIS HOLY WORD , AND HE HAS NEVER FAILED ME YET."

These words to this song describes my GODFATHER, and our relationship over the past 39 years. He has been there for all of us in good times and bad times, always speaking his mind. There were many of times we disagreed, but he always gave us an opportunity to grow and be men who stood by the decisions we made. There were plenty I made that H did not agree with; but he ALWAYS stood tall with me.

It is REALLY AMAZING AND RIDICULOUS that we have to defend Msgr. Harris at this time. His record and body of good and service he has done as a priest is OUTSTANDING. The spiritual guidance he has demonstrated UNCONDITIONALLY from ST. THOMAS to ST. JOSEPH to OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNCIL to CATHEDRAL PREP to ST. CHARLES to ST. JOSEPH SEMINARY, and on and on and on cannot be duplicated nor quantified

As many have stated in their blogs, Msgr. Harris has been a very influential person in our lives. He showed us that hard work pays off. We were taught how to appreciate the simple things of life. He encouraged us to be willing to give our time and efforts to others. Most importantly, he showed us how to use our God given talents to make other peoples lives better. All of us who work with him see his example day in and day out. He lives the words he preaches!

His dedication, his determination, his desire and his discipline have patterned my life. I have to believe that the accomplishments and service with the thousands of lives that He has touched, will outweigh these allegations.

David Dennis

Cathedral Prep - Class of 87'