Indy priest might be assigned to parishes

A Catholic priest arrested a year ago on a charge of public indecency is in line to lead three rural churches, a proposal the archbishop of Indianapolis says is about forgiveness but which some criticize as reckless and insensitive.

In a letter to members of the three parishes, Archbisop Daniel M. Buechlein emphasizes that no final decision has been made on the appointment of the Rev. Ronald M. Ashmore as administrator and sacramental minister of the churches.

Buechlein said he wanted comments from the parishioners to be collected by the parish councils, which are to meet today with two priests involved in the staffing issue. The archbishop is in Rome for a meeting with Pope John Paul II; Buechlein said in the letter that he hopes to make a final decision in early June.