CORRECTION re. Basilian Father Timothy Scott

Mea culpa.  A few days ago, I reported that Father Timothy Scott had been removed from his position as spokesperson for the Basilian Fathers, after an offensive tweet against Cardinal Raymond Burke.  I had taken that information from several blogs and articles which were circulating on the Internet, showing the tweet and demanding that Father Scott be removed from his post.

Yesterday I learned that the story was not completely factual.  The “guts” of the story–that Father Scott tweeted “STFU” toward Cardinal Burke–was true.  However, he had not, as was reported on my blog and others, been removed as a result of the current controversy.  In actuality, Father Scott’s service as spokesperson had ended earlier, in July 2014.

I contacted the current Vicar General of the Basilian Fathers, Fr. David Katulski CSB, before posting a clarification.  Father Katulski has kindly sent his official response, which I am sharing here.

The message from me that you cite in your blog is accurate.  It was a response to several individuals who contacted us through our Basilian website stating that Fr. Scott should not be allowed to be spokesperson for the Basilians.  I assure you it was not my intention to present a half truth or lead anyone astray.  What I said is true – he is no longer spokesperson.  I did not say that he was removed because of his inappropriate Twitter to Cardinal Burke.  I am truly sorry if my initial response was understood in that way. Here is the official statement of the Basilian Fathers:

“The Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) regrets the uncharacteristic Twitter message issued on February 7 by Fr. Timothy Scott CSB in reference to Cardinal Burke, and we support the unqualified apology issued by Fr. Scott on February 22.  Contrary to many reports, Fr. Scott concluded his service as Media Spokesperson for the Basilian Fathers in July, 2014.”

For the record, I also support Father Scott’s apology.  I’m sorry that he apparently felt such animus toward Cardinal Burke, who has served the Church throughout his life.  The Cardinal is on the conservative side of the spectrum, to be sure; and perhaps Father Scott is on the left side of that same spectrum.  Nonetheless, it was not a productive choice for Fr. Scott to criticize with malice in such a public forum.  Now, though, we must move on, recognizing that both Fr. Scott and Cardinal Burke serve God with their lives and in their hearts.

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Please pray for Father Timothy Scott–that this controversy will not permanently tarnish what has been an illustrious career as a college president and a leader within his religious community.

Please pray for Cardinal Burke, who has been raked over the coals in the blogosphere for doing what he believes to be the right thing.  He is a courageous and a holy priest.

Please pray for the Basilian Fathers, who seek the glory of God, especially in the works of education and evangelization.

Please pray for the blogosphere–that those who respond too quickly or with venom to the headlines will stop, think and pray, and that there will be, the words of St. Augustine, in all things charity– in comboxes, on Facebook and Twitter, and in all of social media.

Please pray for me, because I believe I spoke too soon, and because there is no good that comes from derision.  Father Scott needs to remember that; and so do I.