Rev. John Beal , professor, canon law, was interviewed by the National Catholic Reporter on canon law and the resignation of Bishop Finn of Kansas City. See below.
From: National Catholic Reporter Date: April 23, 2015 Author: Brian Roewe
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Fr. John Beal, professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America, said canon 401.2 places the onus on the bishop to determine if his ministry is compromised beyond repair.
"I'm sure there were lots of people pushing, but the canon itself doesn't say anything about a requested resignation. It leaves the initiative with the bishop," said Beal, who added that, like in the military, government and corporate world, there can be a thin margin between voluntary resigning and being pushed....