ARCHDIOCESE OF SEATTLE
910 MARION STREiET
SEATTLE. WASHINGTON 98104
(206) 382-4884

October 3, 1988
OFFICE OF THE ARCHBl!;HOP

The Rev. Michael Cody
llOO Matterhorn Street
Deltona, Fl 32725
Dear Mike:
-I--am--wri-ti-ng- i-n -r-e.f-er-enGe- to_ you-~--l!eGen-t -phone Ga-=!l 'tG ~at-he-r- -f;~orge
Thomas concerning -your request to become involved in weekend ministry in
the Diocese of Orlando. ·As Father Thomas told you, we.h(!.ve informed the.
Bishop of Orlando that we are unable at this time to recommend you for
priestly ministry based on the information that recently came to light
in a review of your -<;:onfidential per:sonnel files.
" f

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Mike, a11 of ~-tare hopeful that you have come to terms with the
psycho-sexual .issues addressed in your 1962 assessment. However, recent
research tells us that we simply cannot take this for granted. At this
moment in our history, I am keenly aware of the fact that the diocese of
incardination continues to have great responsibility for its priests
regardless of where they are located. For this reason, I find· it
necessary to require that you take the steps necessary to insure_your
continued well ~being as well as that of the communtty in which you now
live.

Upon the recommendation of my_ professional advisors, I am asking that
you contact Richard Laws, Ph.D., at the Florida Mental Health
Association, associated with the University of Southern Florida, who has
the professional training to evaluate ta.ses such as you)'.'S. The
Archdiocese of Seattle will assume financial responsibility for this
assessment. Bills may be submitted to the Office of the Chancellor in
Seattle.
.
I want you to undergo a complete assessment a·s soon as it can be
arranged and would_ like the results of this evaluation to be sent to me
as soon as possible. In this way, we can together make decisions based
on sounq psychological information.

If the results of the 1962 assessments are confirmed, it will then be
·necessary for you to involve yourself in life-long psychological
_ treatment and support. Until then, Mike, I want to remind you that you
.will be disallowed from exercising any form of priestly ministry except
as provided by-Canon 976 (hearing the confession of someone in danger of
death.)

JH-ARCH000498
"Sensitive Information"
Per Protective Order

 1 want to assure you that I have taken these steps out of my sincere
concern for you and your spiritual and psychological well-being, and out
of my own responsibility to the greater community. I ask for your
understanding and your cooperation. You may be certajn of my prayerful
support for you in the days ahead. If you have need for further
information, you can direct your.inquiries to Father George Thomas in
the Office of the· Chancellor (206, 3~2-4888) •

.,

JH-ARCH000499
"Sensitive Information"
Per Protective Order