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June 13, 2008
But God always sees
I love to go running, as you all know, but I've never been tempted to run naked. And here's why:
GREELEY, Colo. -- A Roman Catholic priest who said he was jogging naked during the predawn hours because he didn't want to sweat in his clothes was found guilty Thursday of indecent exposure.
The Rev. Robert Whipkey, 53, was found guilty by a Weld County jury and will be sentenced in August. He faces up to 18 months in jail and could be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Whipkey's attorney argued that the reverend did not intend to show his genitalia in public.
...
Even though he is a Roman Catholic priest, the judge excluded any references to Whipkey's profession during the trial because it has no bearing on the charge. But the judge did allow previous allegations, including those that Whipkey has been seen walking nude around his home, swimming nude, and shaving nude during a boys' camp, to be admitted at the trial.
The good reverend also gave another excuse:
An officer going home from his shift saw Whipkey walking naked in the street. Whipkey told him he had been running naked at the track at Frederick High School and didn't think anyone would be around that time of day.
I find the whole thing rather suspicious, yes. But is he fit to be a priest? I will probably be castigated here for saying I'd let him still be a priest, if he doesn't screw up again. Apparently he likes to be naked. This, in itself, isn't criminal. If, however, he gets naked around children or otherwise does something untoward, kick him out of the priesthood and put him in jail. I go to the gym, and there's guys in the locker room who stand around naked, oblivious to those around them. They just don't care. Perhaps this fellow is like that... But now, he's on notice. Better behave, buddy!
entry no. 1165
Posted at June 13, 2008 08:07 AM