Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post written by Ryan A. MacDonald
The National Center for Reason and Justice announces a new appeal based on new evidence in the case of Fr. Gordon MacRae, but help is needed.
I am grateful for this invitation to bring to your attention a major step toward possible justice in the case of imprisoned priest, Father Gordon MacRae. The Boston-based National Center for Reason and Justice announced a Motion for New Trial in the case of Fr. MacRae last week, and posted it on the NCRJ website.
The published brief presents a detailed description of newly discovered evidence in the case as well as other legal considerations. I invite readers to review this compelling document and to suggest the NCRJ link to others.
Though entirely unrelated to These Stone Walls, this long sought development is both hopeful and encouraging for those who have seen the injustices at the heart of the case of Father Gordon MacRae. However, filing this appeal is but the next step in this ongoing effort. Legal expenses have mounted and will continue to mount as the appeal progresses. Please consult the “Contact” page on These Stone Walls for a description of how to help in this effort for justice.
I am sure that most readers understand that Father MacRae himself will not be commenting on this appeal brief. I believe he has decided nonetheless to continue writing weekly for These Stone Walls which is entirely unrelated to this legal effort.
You are invited to review the appeal brief filed with new hope for justice for Father Gordon MacRae. The appeal is posted in its entirety at the website of the National Center for Reason and Justice. Click here to read the “Motion for New Trial in the Case of Fr. Gordon MacRae.”
(Ryan A. MacDonald is a Spero News columnist who blogs at A Ram in the Thicket. He has written extensively on the matter of due process for accused priests at Spero News, and many online Catholic venues).
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Rita Blaize-Watson says
It’s been almost a year now and I know all to well that the wheels of justice turn slowly but is Fr. MacRae’s case going forward?
I pray for Fr. MacRae and Pornchai daily but my Sunday rosary is offered up for them especially.
Fr. James Valladares says
Dear Gordon,
I am truly overjoyed at the good news that there is to be a re-trial and the heartening prospect of an acquittal in the near future. Our united prayers are being heard and God will have the final answer. You are an admirable priest, Gordon! And, as predicted by the late Cardinal Avery Dulles, you be an inspiration to the harried priests and religious of the world. I am truly excited an am eagerly anticipating the felicitous outcome and the triumph of both truth and justice. You are personally remembered at every Eucharistic Sacrifice. In a spirit of fraternal solidarity – James
Flores says
Dear Father MacRae,
At this past Easter Vigil I was Confirmed and made my First Communion. I carried a list of names for whom I offered my Communion and you were on it.
May God bless you and may our Blessed Mother envelop you in Her Mantle of Protection.
I am 65 years old and I hope to be able to hear of your release soon. I was away from the Church for so very long due to my own weaknesses and you have been away for much too long due to lies and the lack of help from your superiors.
May your release come soon and may your story be a beacon and open the eyes of the public some of whom are so quick to believe the many lies that have been told against good Priests.
Margaret G says
I just found ths website today, on Easter Sunday. I am on the verge of tears while reading your story. Father, your Agony in the Garden is beyond words. The devil must really be afraid of you to go to such great lengths to keep you in prison. I am appalled by the behavior of your superiors. They deserted you like Jesus was deserted. I can not for one minute imagine what you have gone through while hanging onto the hope that your superiors would eventually come to help you, I am sickened by how they deserted an innocent man. But of course this being Easter we know that the Ressurection has come, I know in my heart that your reputation will be restored soon. I will pray for you and for all who are falsely imprisioned and especially for all those who have beared false witness.
Peace,
Margaret
Mike M. says
Prayers answered to get this far! More prayers needed and being said for this cause – justice finally!
jamil malik says
I have read the entire legal document and most of the trial transcript. I cannot believe this resulted in a conviction in American court. So much for the human rights that America demands everywhere but in America.What really strikes me is how easily these accusers committed fraud. Not only on you and the Catholic church, but on the justice system
Patricia Dorn says
This is great news! We will continue to pray for justice for Fr. Gordon and all other priests who have been falsely accused.
Laura in Texas says
What great news, Father Gordon. Will continue prayers for you and all involved in helping you. I am so happy that this is finally happening. Jesus, we trust in You. God bless you, Father. : )
Barbara Edsall says
Father MacRae, our very small parish in the mountains in central California is in need of a priest. Our beloved Father O. is retiring due to ill health. He will probably be leaving Thursday for his retirement home. Of course, as written here previously, anyone coming here must be warned of the extremely biased local newspaper. What would life be without challenges?
I can dream, can’t I? That’s probably all this is, but I pray and anticipate our Lord setting you free and placing you in the exactly right place of ministry that is known to Him.
Rejoicing in hope, Barbara
Elizabeth Mahlou says
I am very happy to learn of this. I will spread the news and keep the prayers going.
M says
Heartening news Father G-in my prayers as always
GER says
Ryan and Fr. G.,
Thank you for this news! As they say on many talk-radio stations: “Long time listener; first time caller.”
I have followed your story and this blog since almost its inception. I am a laicized priest, accused and judged before I even was informed of the accusation. I have just put a check into an envelope addressed to:
Friends of Fr. Gordon MacRae
P.O. Box 863
Hampton, NH 03842-0863.
It may not be that much, but I do know the expense involved: In order to just pay for an attorney to take on my case, I had to submit over $20,000.00 – which I had to “borrow” from a friend — piresthood is a non-profit occupation. And I had no trial or appeal. And that was in addition to over $2,000.00 for two canon lawyers.
For their part, the lawyers did research and attended deposition meetings with the plaintive and their lawyers. Even a three minute telephone conversation was in billable time based on a minimum 15-minute time frame: $245.00 (and that was discounted because of my lack of funds!).
It is true that people in the parish had set up a 24-hour prayer vigil fully attended for over 18 months, and that without the Power of Prayer, things could have been a lot worse. But it was also that a person who stepped up to help in a practical way contibuted in a meaningful way to the outcome. The God that we have come to know reveals Himself in the Scriptures with such passages about the life of the Christian in relation to each other: “feeding the hungry, visiting the imprisoned, healing the sick”.
Fr. G, thank you for reminding us of the adage: we may be the only gospel people read!
Joan Ripley says
Ever more prayers for your total vindication, Father Gordon, what a shocking situation! But it’s such good news that an appeal is being launched; praise God! You will have a high place in heaven and hopefully some much deserved peace and liberty here on earth as well. St. Michael the Archangel, Defend us in the day of battle! Joan.
anna b says
praying for you..
Helen says
I am so impressed, and for some reason, today, I am so impacted in the thought of how much the love of Jesus is being spread throughout the world because You, Fr. Gordon, having been falsely imprisoned. “ALL things work together for the good to those who love Him”…rings thru my heart and mind, while contemplating Your suffering. May he, not only free You, but heal Your heart and memories…and let us continue on the spiritual battle together…as ONE army against this growing evil in the world.
Bless You again and again, Fr. Gordon…thank You for being the “YOU” that You are…for the sake of Jesus.
Helen S.
Helen says
LORD…SET YOUR INNOCENT CAPTIVE FREE!!
Sarah says
Father G, I went to our Adoration Chapel this morning and asked for great graces for you from Our Lord’s merciful heart. I have started a novena today to the “Virgin Mary Undoer of Knots” that Our Lady will untangle these knots in your life. Perhaps other TSW readers are similarly inspired.
As always, peace and prayers for you and Pornchai.
Marge S. - Ohio says
WoW is all I can say upon reading this most terrific news Father Gordon! ! !So very happy for you! Daily thoughts and prayers – for you and now more than ever – God Bless you Father Gordon and help give you the strength you will need through this grueling process. We are here and are praying for YOU!!!!
Marge S. - Ohio says
WoW is all I can say upon reading this most terrific news Father Gordon! ! !So very happy for you! Daily thoughts and prayers – for you and now more than ever – God Bless you Father Gordon and help give you the strength you will need through this grueling process. We are here and are praying for YOU!!!!
Mary Elizabeth says
Fr., this being Friday before Lent begins, I was meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries, and during the Agony in the Garden, your name was front and center. Please know that I am always remembering you in prayer. No person who believes in Christ could eliminate from his or her thoughts the passion of Fr. MacRae. You are in my mind as the priest who valiantly carries the cross today, and you indeed have a share in His passion.
I am so grateful for renewed hope that you will soon be exonerated and free once again. May Our Lord give you His comfort and peace, and may the hope He alone can offer fill your heart and mind. Peace of Christ be with you.
Frank Dias says
Spent time today in front of the tabernacle asking God for Fr..
Gordon Freedom.. Please Mother of God help us with our prayers.
Esther says
Father, I was very happy to learn this yesterday. (Thank you Ryan for sending it to me!!) I will be praying and letting others know so that they can be praying for this intention.
God bless,
Edward.Fullerton says
Dear helpers of Fr Gordon, Please be assured of my prayers for Fr. Gordon’s release and healing. And his many selfless friends ,IHS.
Monsignor Michael says
Thanks be to God ! I hope this will open the door to freedom. Remember that you are a beacon of hope for so many people ! Keep up the good work despite the hard times our Church is going through. Persons like you make the Church better, holier !
You are in my prayers !
LaVern says
Thanks Bill and Shiela for reminding us we can support Fr. Gordon in his appeal, not only with prayers, but also giving our financial support. Just think, if the 25 previous commenters sent just $5 or $10 each, already nearly $200 would have been collected. Would make a great beginning! With an added rosary, how could God refuse?
You can be assured, Fr. Gordon, of my prayers storming heaven in your behalf, and a donation will be on its way so that you can continue the appeal, face the new trial, be victorious–and one day be a free man! (Can’t come soon enough!) God Bless! LaVern
Domingo says
I’ve read all the 25 comments before I add my own, and how true it is that it is God Who orchestrates everything in His Time.
Thy Will de done!
Glory and praise to Thee, O Most High!
Lynda Finneran says
Continuing to pray for you everyday. Any judge when confronted with the facts of your case, must find that there was not evidence before the trial court upon which you could reasonably have been found guilty. In other words, your trial verdict was a sham (and ditto for the conduct of the trial itself, particularly outrageous comments by the Judge about another priest who was guilty of sexual crimes). God bless and guide all those involved in prosecuting and this motion, and the new trial.
Mary Jean Scudieri says
Thank you for the most welcome news Mr MacDonald! You are a beacon of hope for him and for all of us who are his friends.
I will continue to offer my Mass each day for Fr. Gordon.
The Lord knows that he is innocent but he has plans for Fr, that we don’t know.It will be in His own time but I know that it will be. God bless all who pray for him and are helping to bring this about. And remember we must also pray for his accusers to be touched by the grace of God. That would be a fantastic blessing for them to admit their lies.
God love and bless you Fr. Gordon!
Your friend, Jeannie
Chris K says
Thanks be to God. We will keep praying for Fr. Gordon’s case.
Bless you!
Elizabeth says
I am glad to hear this good news. Keep asking the Mother of God Mother of priests for help.
God bless you always,
Elizabeth .
bill wendell says
Dear Fr. Gordon,
All your friends and supporters are so very pleased to read this news. We pray for justice.
My most sincere hope is that people will be generous in their prayers and financial support.
We pray for Gods will to be done and we hope that is freedom for you. I am very, very happy to read this. Best to Pornchai.
sheila ryan says
I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. All praise and thanksgiving to our almighty God! It’s not over so we must increase our prayers and sacrifices. The devil doesn’t want Fr. Gordon out. Also, we must raise money to help with the legal fees.
Thank You Lord. Please help us to help Fr.G. We love you Father G. So many love you. Don’t ever forget that. I’ll be happy to send you this lap top. That would be the best!
Cheralyn says
God bless you! Thank you so much for helping Father Gordon. He remains in my daily Prayers.
God bless
Cheralyn
Joe says
This is good news! Thank you Jesus and Mary! Let’s all keep the prayers coming for Fr. Gordon.
Vince Pereda says
I am very happy to hear about this great new development and will continue to pray for Fr. Gordon’s exoneration and ultimate release from prison.
Elizabeth Leurer says
Father Gordon: Praise be to God. Just got the news of a motion for a new trial for you. May Our Lady of Good Remedy be your help and guide as I will pray a Novena for you to her for your release.
May God’s will be done.
God Bless you, Father.
Love and prayers, Liz.
tom d says
Oh my gosh !!! I just read the brief. What a trumped up travesty the original trial was ! How on earth could Fr. Gordon have been convicted in the first place? I hope you are set free, Father. And I hope you have a bigger heart than I do. I don’t think I could forgive those who bore so, so much false witness. I would also have trouble forgiving those in charge in your own diocese who condemned you so swiftly, and threw you to the wolves. God bless you, and good luck !
tom d says
A wonderful development! Fr. Gordon, my prayers are with you !
Pam says
Thank you so much for posting this! I have re-posted this to my Being Catholic … Really Facebook wall and have asked for prayer for Father’s situation.
Fr. Gordon: You are in my prayers and I hope that you will be released soon. God bless you now and in the days ahead with a renewed strength and faith.
Lionel (Paris) says
This is good news!
I hope that Justice will be done and that you will be freed soon and I pray for it.
Union de prière
SteveD says
Great news. Will increase my prayers for you, Father, during this process.
Kathleen Riney says
Thanks be to God!!!
Kim says
I AM SO HAPPY Fr Gordon!!! We will continue our prayers, I know what goes around comes around eventually, God uses everything. Thank you Jesus and Mary for answered prayers.
Kim Layton
Renet says
Very welcome news, Father!
Do you have any sense of the time expected or allowed for the state to respond?
We will, of course, keep praying for you!
Mary Elizabeth says
This is something to shout about, and I will be shouting for you Fr. Gordon. May all the angels and saints in heaven pray for you and for your continued holiness and your complete exoneration. And as for me, well, I pray daily for you Fr. and will continue to do so.
catherine says
Dear Father Gordon, this is wonderful news! We are all continuing to pray that you will receive the justice that has so long been denied to you. Your faith,knowledge and learning and acceptance of suffering is something that has helped me so much I cannot thank you enough, except by praying for you.
Prayers Always
Catherine
Sarah says
Praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all those who work on this case!
Thank you to Mr. Ryan A. MacDonald, for providing us with this most recent information.
Jill L says
My continued prayers!!!
Robyn says
Fr. Gordon
I pray for you all the time but will be storming Heaven about this.. This is GOOD news!!.. now off to check out the links in this post.. God Bless you Fr. Gordon.. Stay strong and know you are loved..
Robyn
South Carolina
Liz F. says
Woohoo! Thanks be to God!!!! We will all keep praying! God bless you, Fr. Gordon and all of the people helping you!
Trish says
Fr Gordon: Remembering you in my prayers – I pray that you are heard and that the truth will be the victor in this endeavour. May the truth set you free. May justice be done. May the Holy Spirit guide all who have to decide in this case and may God send His Holy angels to bring the truth to light…God bless you …Never give up!