BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – A prayer vigil was held for the much-loved Monsignor Craig Harrison, as he faces allegations of sexual misconduct dating back decades.
Hundreds of people packed St. Francis church Wednesday evening, to show their support for the church’s leader.
He was placed on paid leave last week after the Fresno Diocese received allegations of sexual misconduct from when Harrison served at a church in Firebaugh back in the ‘90s.
News of the allegations stunned this community.
That same day the diocese received a second report of alleged sexual abuse from another man in Merced dating back to the late 1980s.
Since the allegations went public, much of the community has rallied in support of Harrison.
“We’re just here to support Father Craig and the Catholic Church and the community,” said Ken Shanley, parishioner.
But, not everyone feels the same way.
A group of protestors was waiting outside the church when the vigil ended.
“I am here in support of all the people that are afraid to speak up, haven’t spoken up or are about to speak up,” said Aime Stribling, a protestor.
Stribling says for her this is personal because she’s a survivor of abuse.
“It’s very painful, it’s a wound that never completely heals,” said Stribling. “To have someone say, out of their ignorant mouths, why didn’t you say something sooner? Why didn’t these victims say something sooner? It’s very hard to have the nerve to ask someone something like that. Everyone speaks up at their own time, at their own pace.”
At one point, things got heated when protesters clashed with supporters.
“It’s not right for people to come into the church and yell while not even knowing what’s going on,” said Margarita Perez, parishioner. “No-one said Father Craig is right, no-one ever said that. We are here for the truth to prevail. That is it.”
