Catholic community reacts to Bishop's refusal to resign

Following Bishop Malone's statement to recommit to his position among the diocese of Buffalo, the Buffalo catholic community shared mixed opinions. 

"And I stand before you today recommitted to my calling to serve as Bishop of Buffalo," said Malone. "The shepherd does not desert the flock at a difficult time."

Mary Ellen Sanfilippo, a parishioner at St. Mary's in Stormville, feels that the healing process can't begin until a there's a new bishop in place. 

“The shepherd, who is Christ, does not mislead or lie to his flock and in this quote shephard, Bishop Malone, has done that," Sanfilippo said. “It’s very difficult for me to trust what this man is saying, because I don’t believe he can be trusted.” 

One local ministry youth leader, Mary Palmer, hopes to see the catholic community unite and come closer to the church.

“We have no control over what the bishop is going to do or what he’s not going to do, that’s not up to us. We need to protect the children and the future church and our own faith and if we degrade the church we’re not doing anybody any good,” Palmer said. “We need humility at this time, we need unity, do not give anyone a reason to separate us more than we already are.”

The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio Network released this statement Monday: 

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