Dear Bill,
Peace to you.
It has been a long time since I have had any communication from you or any other Oblates. I presume that by now, decisions have been made about me regarding my standing as an Oblate and as a priest. To my understanding, you and the Council have decided not to pursue any further contact, and have even excommunicated me or something of the sort. I understand, and I am alright with those decisions (as silly as they are). In spite of the things that know have decided were true about me, I am actually living a healthy, normal life. I find it sad that in order to live, I would have to walk away from such a troubled group of men. What disappoints me, however, is that having never done anything wrong, unlike so many others that both you and I know, I was treated like a criminal and pushed away. I understand that you, the Council, and so many other "concerned" Oblates have an image of me that is quite horrible, I feel it necessary to explain who I am not. (for your sake)
I am not a pastor or any church or organization or any other entity of the sort. I also know that I am supposed to be a thief, I have never taken anything that wasn't mine, on the contrary, I often gave to churches where I was assigned. I also never felt that I was sexually frustrated or repressed. This also includes my belief that my sexuality was not your business, something that you and other Oblates so often tried to intrude upon.
Also, I am not, nor have I ever been in doubt of my priestly vocation. I have no doubt of my call to service and love. I was actually flourishing in the Diocese of San Angelo before the Oblates decided to revoke my faculties.
Overall, I believe that anything I say or write is of no importance to you. Perhaps I should post it on Facebook so that this carries some weight, since I know that is where you have gathered your information about me anyway. More than anything, I am saddened by the state of the Oblates U.S. Province, but even in all the mess that you have become, I forgive you. I do not seek a response from you or anyone else. Do not expect any further communication from you.
Peace to you,
Fr. Rick Lopez
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