Fr. Z has an update on Fr. James Jackson.
I reprint it here:
UPDATE 4 November 2021:
From what I have heard, Fr. Jackson is now being held on federal charges. This is not a good development, as it implies that there is something more complicated than simple possession of illegal material.
A GoFundMe campaign had been set up for him and it raised a significant amount, but the campaign was axed by GoFundMe.
While we continue in a presumption of innocence, there is little to see that is positive in this case. While I believe it is good to harbor a sober, eyes-open optimism, at the same time – in my considered opinion – it is also a good idea to begin to steel ourselves for very bad news.
Please continue to offer prayers for Fr. Jax as well as for all those involved in the investigation of this case. It is important that the truth be the goal of everything that is done. We all know that that isn’t always the motive of some in either law enforcement or the legal profession… or the Church. - Fr. Z
Just a couple of comments.
The investigation leading to an arrest is so thorough and exhaustive, there is no way it can be a 'setup'. For the arrest to take place there has to be probable cause and evidence. The fact the priest is held on federal charges is even more serious. If the feds have evidence, there has to be digital evidence. And there is.
PROVIDENCE — During their investigation of a Providence priest, police investigators found videos that showed young girls, including infants and toddlers, engaged in sex acts, according to a filing in U.S. District Court, Providence.
Investigators were told the video, which was on a storage device, belonged to Father James W. Jackson, of St. Mary's Church, say federal prosecutors.
The investigation led members of a special police task force to the rectory of St. Mary's Church on Saturday. - The Providence Journal
That is Satanic. This isn't ordinary sin. Sins against infants and toddlers?! Such pure, innocent beings. It is similar to the gross abuse of the Blessed Sacrament - yet so much worse.
Fr. Z noted that a Go Fund Me was set up and then removed. People can do what they want with their money, but a legal defense fund may not always be a good idea. Reading the charges is so repulsive, I can't even imagine donating. I think Fr. Altman profited from the fund set up for him, but his case was a canonical case, not a civil or criminal case. Fr. Jackson's Society should be responsible for his defense.
Church Militant is asking for money to pay legal costs for their lawsuit to stage a rally in Baltimore. The request is on FB and goes like this:
"Please help defray our legal costs and empower Church Militant to fight valiantly in defense of the First Amendment and against these crooked bishops." - Michael Voris
Don't contribute to anti-Catholic causes. If you are not with the bishop you are not with the Church. If CM would like to sue the USCCB they can do that - but don't give them money. There may be corruption within the USCCB, but CM lacks irrefutable evidence of it. If they had it, they would be in court.
That's all.
