RICHMMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Tensions boiled over on August 29 at one of Richmond’s most visible Catholic churches. More than 150 demonstrators, equipped with signs and megaphones, gathered outside the Diocese of Richmond, calling for the removal of a Hispanic ministries leader.
Allegations of intimidation, incompetence and misappropriation of funds are some of the complaints parishioners have against Fidel Rubio.
Chants of “We want justice,” could be heard from protesters outside the pastoral center.
“There’s something wrong,” said demonstrator Cesar Ramirez. “I see a community suffering, demanding justice from our pastoral associate.”
Rubio, the man in question, is the leader of Hispanic ministry at Saint Augustine Catholic church.
“He was hired by the diocese to serve as the voice of the community, the representative of the people,” Ramirez said. “He has not fulfilled his function.”
The church has one of the largest Spanish-speaking parishes in the Richmond area, with Hispanics making up more than half. Parishioners like Ramirez said in his ten years at Saint Augustine, Rubio has caused division in the church, abusing his power over the parish.
“We’ve suffered from insults, defamation and intimidation,” Ramirez said.
Some have questions about what happens to the offerings given at mass.
“Where is the money going?” asked Nancy Calderon, a longtime member of the church. “What is it being used for? We’re not being told accurately. (Rubio) helps his friends. We have funds for people that are poor. He helps his friends.”
Parishioners have asked bishop Francis Dilorenzo to intervene, but say nothing has been done.
In a statement, the Diocese of Richmond said it “acknowledges that some parish communications about parishioner concerns has been inaccurate.”
However, demonstrators all tell the same story.
“We will continue until justice is rendered,” Ramirez said of the protests.
Organizers claim church leaders are considering Making Rubio a diaconate in the church.
“That would be like the end of Saint Augustine church,” said Calderon. “That would be giving him even more power.”
Demonstrators say they want to be able to vote on who leads the church. Now louder and more visible than ever, they say something has to give, and it won’t be them.
“We’re not leaving. It’s our church,” Calderon said.
On September 8, the director of the office of Hispanic ministry will host a town hall meeting with parishioners to continue the discussions and work toward solutions.
