Father John Fiala (Inset at Coming More Urban and Cohe- Right) Is the Subject of Allegations of Abuse of a Rocksprings Boy

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SUNDAY FOCUS 2010 CENSUS EXCLUSIVE: THIS STORY IS ONLY IN TODAY’S PRINT EDITION Growing THE CHURCH pains come AND THE PRIEST with rise in Accusations of abuse ignored population

Area counties have to deal with residents’ increased expectations.

BY ZEKE MACCORMACK, JOHN MACCORMACK Tracking AND ELAINE AYALA [email protected] growth Largest As civic leaders in San Anto- population nio and surrounding communi- increases (by ties began digesting new census percentage) in figures released Thursday, the the region: implications of the region’s 25 Counties percent population increase were both gratifying and sober- GUADALUPE ing. 47.8% For starters, the eight-county JERRY LARA/[email protected] area, with a population of more KENDALL than 2.1 million,is rapidly be- 40.7% The altar of Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Rocksprings. Father John Fiala (inset at coming more urban and cohe- right) is the subject of allegations of abuse of a Rocksprings boy. sive, is more ethnically and eco- COMAL nomically diverse, and appears on course for continued rapid 39.0% BY ABE LEVY News reveal a rocky mySA.com expansion. [email protected] odyssey for a priest Check online “I don’t think the growth is Communities whose career began in- Wednesday going to stop,” said Judge Mike SELMA y the time Father John Fiala arrived conspicuously in the Mid- to read copies of Wigginsof Guadalupe County, at a West Texas parish in 2005, he had west and collapsed with complaints against which saw a jump of 48 percent 603% amassed a two-decade ministry record criminal charges and a Father John Fiala, as since 2000, from 89,000 to 131,000. so troublesome that Catholic leaders lawsuit alleging the rape CIBOLO well as memos and “We’re predicting the popula- were feuding over ways to wash their of a 16-year-old boy in tion will double again by 2027, 406% correspondence hands of him. Rocksprings. and that seems like a long time among church leaders Parishioners in Nebraska had told The youth sued Fiala away. But if we’re not ready, it TIMBERWOOD him to stay away from their adolescent sons. A psy- last spring. Months later, discussing his will swallow us,” he said. PARK cBhologist said he was narcissistic, naïve and dis- Fiala was arrested on behavior. Comal and Kendall counties 128% played potentially harmful sexuality. charges of sexually as- saw growth of around 40 per- Catholic authorities said Fiala deceived them saulting him and a Dallas County charge accusing Source: U.S. Census Look up about his behavior, yet he was transferred from Fiala of soliciting a hit man to kill the teenager. See COUNTIES/21A parish to parish. He was suspended and not al- Victims groups say Fiala’s case amounts to an- census figures by city or lowed to work as a priest in Nebraska. He later other sex-abuse cover-up by the Catholic Church ROBERT RIVARD: S.A. growth was reinstated in Texas. county at belies challenge. Metro, 3B Documents obtained by the San Antonio Express- See PRIEST/6A mySA.com. House GOP wins Crackdowns fail to muzzle Arab protesters

BY JANINE ZACHARIA on $60 billion cut Washington Post MANAMA, Bahrain — The uprisings sweeping BY DAVID M. HERSZENHORN the Arab world showed little sign of abating Sat- New York Times urday as protesters from Bahrain to Libya to Ye- men returned to the streets to demand greater WASHINGTON — The House vote early Satur- freedoms in defiance of government crackdowns. day to slash more than $60 billion from the federal The demonstrations have left entrenched leaders budget over the next seven months shows how — some of whom have held power for decades — powerfully the anti-spending fervor of the Novem- scrambling to figure out how to maintain control ber elections is driving the new Republican major- amid criticism from abroad of the heavy-handed ity’s efforts to shrink the size and scope of govern- tactics they long have used to sustain their rule. ment. In Bahrain, demonstrators triumphantly return- It puts the two parties on a path to a succession ed to the Pearl Square traffic circle after the mil- of showdowns over the deficit and the nation’s itary pulled back on government orders. But in Li- growing debt. bya, security forces fired on mourners departing The House bill would impose sharp spending re- funerals for protesters killed in the eastern city of ductions in nearly every area of government in- Benghazi, leaving 15 people dead, the Associated cluding domestic programs, foreign aid and even ASSOCIATED PRESS Press reported. some military projects. Protesters rush an injured man to a hospital in Manama, Bahrain. The Human Rights Watch reported that security kingdom’s monarchy is attempting to open negotiations with the See BUDGET/4A demonstrators and ordered the military to back down. See ARAB/19A

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PRIEST CONTINUED FROM 1A and a failure to uphold land- mark 2002 reforms by U.S. bishops that called for greater transparency and zero tolerance for abuse. The trail of complaints against Fiala began in the 1980s. In Nebraska, a businessman claimed Fiala targeted his eighth-grade son in 1988. The father, who the Express-News is not naming to protect his son’s identity, says Catholic supervisors broke promises then to ban the priest from all ministry with children and adolescents. “I have no idea — I shudder to think — how many other children (Fiala) has harmed since 1988,” the man stated in a 2010 affidavit letter to Texas authorities after the Rocksprings teen filed suit. “My church could have prevented any further harm if they would have acted responsibly, but they chose not to.” Fiala’s attorney did not re- I am so sorry to inform you that the complaints of some of the I hereby suspend you, as a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha, turn calls for comment. Fiala people in Our Lady of Victory Parish concerning “imprudent from the public exercise of your priestly faculties until and unless denied sexual misconduct throughout the documents. Last behavior” with the youth of that parish, have reached the you cooperate with the appropriate program we have discussed month, the Archdioceses of San desk of the Bishop and the Diocese has decided not to give regarding your personal and pastoral well-being. I am placing Antonio and Omaha, Fiala’s re- your ministerial faculties in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. notice of this suspension of faculties in The Catholic Voice ligious order and the Diocese of because it has implications for the good order of the archdiocese. Corpus Christi announced set- Fr. James H. Flanagan, SOLT tlements with the Rocksprings leader of Fiala’s religious order, Most Reverend Elden Francis Curtiss teenager. Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Archbishop of Omaha The documents raise serious questions about their role in supervising Fiala and map out Copies of these letters and other complaints against Father John Fiala, as well as memos and correspondence among church leader s discussing his the same type of cover-up of behavior, will be posted online Wednesday at MySA.com. abusive priests by Catholic hie- rarchy in decades past, said Da- vid Clohessyof St. Louis, the sulted with the Ralston police ha, where he was told again to national director for the Survi- chief and then told the investi- return. vors Network of those Abused Father John Fiala gator she “could not confirm The Omaha archdiocese by Priests. 1984-96: Fiala was ordained a priest in nor deny” having information sent the order 30 pages to prove “When child-molesting clerics the Archdiocese of Omaha; assigned to on Fiala. Fiala was properly transferred are caught, church officials flee seven parishes; ignored parents who and should not be returned. like rats from a sinking ship, banned him from their adolescent sons; A hot potato The order’s founder, in a each one distancing himself as sent to at least three treatment centers and Fiala also worried psycholo- 2010 affidavit, blamed a former much as possible from the ended his tenure in suspension. gists. Omaha chancellor for describ- criminal,” he said. “Top church He “lacks mature judgment ing Fiala’s record in Nebraska 1996-98: He began to transfer into supervisors pretend to be pow- and is impulsive,” one hired by as free of any misconduct and Robstown-based Society of Our Lady of the erless while splitting hairs and the Omaha archdiocese report- calling him suitable for a trans- Most Holy Trinity. Former Corpus Christi passing the buck to others. ed in 1988. He “finds himself fer in a 1995 phone conversa- Bishop Rene Gracida reinstated his drawn very easily into dealing tion. credentials and then rescinded them amid Early complaints with young men. At this point, By 2004, Fiala demanded complaints of imprudent behavior with Fiala, who was born and I perceive that that is out of a the order resume his financial youths while at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Beeville. raised in Omaha, was drawn to sense of him wanting to be of support and lift his suspension the Catholic Church in the sev- 1999-2002: He regained credentials, completed the transfer assistance to them, but he is from public ministry or risk a enth grade, when he met a into his religious order and served in the Kansas City area. certainly very sexually naïve.” lawsuit. priest who wrote a letter of rec- 2002: David Orso made a complaint to the Omaha archdiocese, The medical director of St. ommendation for him to enter accusing Fiala of sexual abuse in 1988 when Orso was 13. Luke Institute in Maryland An open door the seminary. echoed the sentiment that same Meanwhile, Fiala moved to a 2003-04: The religious order invalidates Fiala’s membership on The priest, Daniel Herek, lat- year. parish in Gillespie County and a technicality disputed by the Omaha archdiocese. Fiala er became an infamous convict- “We do believe that his lack applied to the San Antonio demanded that the order reinstate him or face a lawsuit. ed child sex offender in Nebras- of awareness about his own archdiocese. ka. 2004-05: Fiala began to minister at St. Anthony Parish in sexuality poses hazards for him Fiala’s order quickly cleared After Fiala was ordained in Harper in the San Antonio archdiocese, to which he requests a in the future,” the institute re- a path for transfer, recommend- 1984 in Omaha, he quickly transfer. Former San Antonio Archbishop José Gomez assigned ported, urging longer residen- ing him in a Dec. 14, 2004, let- earned a reputation for disre- him to three West Texas congregations. tial treatment. ter as in good standing and garding parents banning him JANUARY-AUGUST 2008: A lawsuit claims Fiala periodically Fiala sparred with former never “charged or convicted of from their teen sons. sexually assaulted a 16-year-old from his Rocksprings parish Omaha Archbishop Elden Cur- sexual misconduct or inappro- At his first parish, St. Co- during private catechism classes and out-of-town trips — tiss in 1995 over his mandate priate behavior with a minor.” lumbkille, Fiala angered a sin- sometimes at gunpoint, according to a Bexar County lawsuit in for the priest to undergo six In Fiala’s application to the gle mom who accused him of April 2010. weeks of residential treatment archdiocese, he made reference taking her sons on unapproved at St. Michael’s Community in to a 30-year-old man who OCTOBER 2008: Gomez fired him in light of an investigation by shopping trips to rent R-rated St. Louis. claimed, “I said something in- the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office. videos and buy posters of half- Finally, Curtiss suspended appropriate” to him in 1986. naked women. He also ignored SEPTEMBER 2009: Fiala applied to join a program by the Fiala as a priest that year after The man disappeared before it her warning not to lend one Society of St. Pius X in Kansas City, denying any claims of sexual Fiala resisted. Fiala lost an ap- could be vetted, Fiala wrote. son money to buy a car, accord- misconduct to leaders and reinforced in a written peal to the Vatican seeking to Because the order said Fiala ing to a letter the mother wrote recommendation from Father Lukose Thirunelliparambil of reverse the suspension. was free of any past miscon- to Fiala’s superiors. Beeville. Among Curtiss’ concerns duct, the San Antonio archdio- David Orso was a 13-year-old SEPT. 3, 2010: He was arrested in Lawrence, Kan., by a fugitive were letters ripping Fiala for cese said the application was altar boy from another single- task force responding to a four-count indictment, including mismanaging a rural parish, not a red flag to press deeper. mother household at the same aggravated sexual assault, in Edwards County. Fiala posted bond. St. Joseph, north of Omaha, in Since then, the archdiocese has parish. Fiala promoted him to 1995. The complaints said Fiala cut its ties with Fiala’s reli- NOV. 18, 2010: He was indicted on two charges, including head altar server and helped often slept into the late morn- gious order, and it asked the or- aggravated sexual assault, in Howard County. The same day, Fiala him skip class and take fre- ing, drew pictures of Mickey der’s lone remaining priest to was rearrested in an undercover sting in Dallas County on a quent trips to a video arcade Mouse at a liturgy meeting and leave his post in Harper. charge of soliciting a hit man to kill his accuser. The charge led to and 24-hour diner, Orso said. failed to check mail, pay bills In June 2005, former San An- an indictment in January. He is in custody in Edwards County. Orso told the Express-News or visit the sick. He also was tonio Archbishop José Gomez in an interview that he wanted Sources: Records from the Archdioceses of Omaha and San Antonio, Diocese of Corpus accused of staying up late play- tapped Fiala to head three con- his name revealed to publicize Christi, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office ing video games, sometimes gregations, including Sacred his case and to expose what with young people. Heart of Mary Parish in went wrong. “Please help this man. He is Rocksprings. There, Fiala’s Fiala provided him and other outings, the businessman said to Fiala, Sheehan explained the not living a normal, healthy troubles returned in August boys liquor, beer and cigars he ordered Fiala never to be plan was to reassign the priest life,” a parishioner wrote. 2008. At first, the family of the when he was alone with them alone with his son again. He after therapy. Records show Fia- Fiala’s dean, Father Frank Rocksprings teen accused him in his rectory, Orso said. said Fiala ignored him. He vis- la was sent to at least three Lordemann, called for his re- of custodial interference. Often, he dressed down to his ited the family’s home when treatment centers known to moval. Lordemann cited posters Gomez ordered an investiga- underwear to wrestle with the man was away on business, treat abusive priests. of Disney characters around tion of Fiala for suspected “un- them, Orso said, and initial the letter said, and sent the Last spring, the businessman Fiala’s residence, as well as becoming behavior with mi- jokes about homosexual acts man’s wife on mock “missions” met with Omaha Archbishop Star Trek memorabilia and nors” on Oct. 7, 2008. Later that turned into real offers for sex. for a Marianist group led by George Lucas, who offered children’s toys in his bedroom. month, Gomez terminated him One pivotal night, after heavy Fiala. counseling to his son but said “Of course, you are aware of from the archdiocese. The arch- drinking at the rectory, Fiala In June 1988,police from the the archdiocese had no record the previous problems in his diocese has maintained it did “professed his love for me,” Omaha suburb of Ralston called of the 1988 meeting. Deacon previous assignment,” Lorde- not receive any claim of sexual said Orso, now 38. the man while he was out of Tim McNeil, current chancellor mann wrote Curtiss. “I know it misconduct by Fiala until the His complaints to officials town, the man said, telling him of the Omaha archdiocese, said is not easy to make decisions youth filed the civil lawsuit. were “shrugged off” as imma- his son was in a parked car at the lack of records inhibited it like this but we do need to pro- “I want to get back and serve turity, Orso said, after his mom midnight in a city park and on from publicizing the man’s tect the Church.” God’s people,” Fiala told Gomez confronted them. the priest’s lap. Fiala had told complaint. It did hire an inves- Fiala gave Curtiss an out, re- in a letter asking for review. In 2002 — the same year U.S. police he was teaching the boy tigator who made a report and questing a transfer in late 1995 In 2009, Fiala sought refuge bishops met in Dallas to crack to drive. sent it to the Edwards County to the Society of Our Lady of in a residential program spon- down on the scandal of abusive “Why the police did not ar- Sheriff’s Office. the Most Holy Trinity. The reli- sored by the Society of St. Pius priests, Orso filed a complaint rest him on the spot, I don’t The archdiocese settled the gious order’s Robstown-based X based in Kansas City, Kan., with the Omaha archdiocese. know, but they did not,” said Texas lawsuit because “it was U.S. leader declined comment to teach priests the traditional Only after the Texas lawsuit the businessman, who did not unclear what was shared” for this report. Latin Mass. A priest from Bee- and subsequent questions by return an e-mail and phone about Fiala’s background when But according to correspond- ville wrote a flattering letter for the Express-News did the arch- messages seeking further com- he transferred to a Texas-based ence and memos, Catholic lead- his application, which again de- diocese make Orso’s complaint ment. religious order, McNeil said. ers battled one another to avoid nied any past misconduct. public. The man confronted Fiala, “I would hope that (the busi- responsibility for him: A police task force arrested After Orso complained, the who gave a poor explanation, nessman) wasn’t misled (in Former Corpus Christi him in Kansas last year. archdiocese reached an undis- the man stated in his affidavit. 1988),” McNeil said, “but I don’t Bishop Rene Gracida permitted But not before Fiala tried to closed settlement with him last It prompted a meeting with the have any documentation or re- him to minister in 1996 but re- re-enter the Omaha archdio- August. parish president and pastor and cords about what was said to versed himself two years later cese, the same place he was or- Omaha Archbishop Daniel him, and I wish I did.” amid complaintsof “imprudent dained and where a frustrated Parent: broken promise Sheehan. The man said he de- The man’s former parish behavior” with youth at a Bee- parishioner only a few years Such behavior allegedly con- manded Fiala never be allowed president issued an affidavit af- ville parish. The order instruct- later would plead for the hie- tinued at Fiala’s next parish, to minister to minors, and firming this account. ed him to return to the Omaha rarchy to put a stop to him. St. Joan of Arc in Omaha. Sheehan agreed. Ralston police told the man, archdiocese. “Even with the shortage of The priest, then an assistant The archbishop, now de- the Express-News and the arch- Fiala reported the com- priests, (Fiala) is a poor substi- pastor and religious instructor ceased, removed Fiala from the diocesan investigator they have plaint was retracted and asked tute,” the church member for the parish school, took boys parish and sent him for treat- no record on Fiala. for reinstatement. In 1999, the wrote. “I will never understand on questionable outings to an ment. The pastor said Fiala However, the investigator order granted him full member- why you put him in a parish, amusement park, according to would be forever stripped of his made the request in person and ship but in 2003 invalidated it, from one to another ... now, the Omaha businessman’s affi- priestly duties, the businessman observed a receptionist print citing a failure to make manda- back again to start up all over davit letter. recalled, feeling reassured. documents from a computer, ac- tory lifelong vows and an inves- again. Do something about this After he learned about the But in a May 27, 1988, letter cording to his report. She con- tigation of misconduct in Oma- before it is too late.” SAN ANTONIO Sunday, April 24, 2011 mySA.com: News B EXPRESS-NEWS

AND EDITORIALS STATE STAY THE COURSE: Mayor Julián Castro METRO NEWS had a solid first term, and he deserves another. Page 10B

MAN WHO MADE 3 S. TEXANS INTO STARS IS DEAD PAGE 9B

CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS | MAY 14 These races are up for grabs lián Castromold is putting his Stan- ELECTION ford University education to work, and In District 3: 2011 In District 4: a neighborhood association leader has vowed to bring more city spending to The battle No incumbent the district. beth “Liz” Camposhad not lost her Leticia Cantu, who briefly sat on the taste for tossing the incumbent into council; Rey Saldaña, the Stanford is personal the hot seat. in this contest grad; and Kathy Luna, a retired civil At a neighborhood forum, Campos servant, each say they have the back- BY BRIAN CHASNOFF addressed District 3 Councilwoman BY JOSH BAUGH ground to be elected on May 14. [email protected] Jennifer Ramosdirectly — during a [email protected] In a three-way race, a single candi- portion in which the audience was date would have to get more than 50 More than a weekafter the city’s supposed to ask the questions. In the race for the open seat in City percent of the vote to win outright. Ethics Review Board dismissed the “It’s my understanding you’re (plan- Council District 4, a former interim Without a clear majority, the top two most damaging allegations against her councilwoman is running on her re- opponent, City Council hopeful Eliza- See THREE/5B cord, a young underdog from the Ju- See FOUR/5B

O. Ricardo Pimentel: The accomplished storyteller has written A good reason to get dirty two works of fiction. Newspaper bringing new writer on board Experienced journalist to be Metro columnist starting next month. BY GUILLERMO CONTRERAS [email protected]

A longtime journalist who has written and edited for several newspapers across the country will join the San Antonio Express-News next month as a Metro columnist. O. Ricardo Pimentel,a Mil- waukee Journal-Sentinelcol- umnist and that paper’s former editorial page editor, joins the Express-News on May 9. Pimentel, 57, also has been a reporter and editor at newspa- PHOTOS BY KIN MAN HUI/[email protected] pers in the Southwest, including Stefan Neasman (right) dives into the muddy water hole as he nears the finish line in the Muddy Mayhem 8K run. his hometown of San Bernardi- no, Calif. He’s served as a corre- The more than 1,000 runners at spondent in Washington, D.C., and was a nationally syndicated Saturday’s Muddy Mayhem 8K columnist with the Arizona Re- dealt with several obstacles, public, writing on public policy with an emphasis on Latino af- including a giant, muddy water fairs. hole near the finish. Proceeds He also has written two went to the Wounded Warrior works of fiction, “House with Two Doors” and “Voices from Project. Afterward, medals went to the River.” first-, second- and third-place “Ricardo is a widely-traveled and accomplished journalist runners in each age group, and all with a passion for public policy participants were offered cold beer issues central to this city’s well- and free entertainment. being, and he has a humanist’s appreciation for storytelling,” said Robert Rivard, editor of the Express-News. mySA.com “We fully expect him to help See a slideshow of the event. set the public conversation, in keeping with our traditions of Dirt and mud are kicked into the air as runners participate in the Muddy Mayhem 8K columnists with strong voices at run sponsored by The Athlete’s Foot. See PIMENTEL/3B

The Rev. Carrie Everson participates in a Expanding their outreach prayer request at Mount Zion First Baptist Historically black facing a new reality: The East African Americans to commute. Church on the Side is no longer majority black. But they also are widening the East Side. As churches welcoming Hispanics have moved in as door for the new majority in community their new neighbors. many African Americans have their neighborhoods. outreach leader, left for the suburbs. “We really feel if the church she invites the BY ABE LEVY But the churches are staying doesn’t become a multiethnic neighborhood’s [email protected] put, repackaging themselves as congregation, it’ll die out or have Hispanic multicultural congregations. to move somewhere else,” said residents to join For many generations, the For some, it’s a matter of long- Carrie Everson,34,an associate the city’s historic black churches re- term survival. minister at Mount Zion First congregation. lied on a fertile East Side popula- They vow not to lose their tra- Baptist Church who leads its tion base to sustain themselves. ditional worship styles, and they JERRY LARA/[email protected] But today, the churches are are still counting on suburban See CHURCHES/9B

VOICES

SCOTT STROUD PATRICIA KILDAY HART ROBERT RIVARD BOB RICHTER Unintended irony Time to cut the sugar Pray for rain? You make us better A small-government advocate moves Sodas’ role in Texas’ growing obesity How about praying for the Readers’ probing and grousing to grow the bureaucracy crisis calls for consid- disadvantaged who will make the Express-News with his illegal-immi-- eration of a tax to help bear the brunt of state a better paper. gration bill. pay health care costs. budget cuts? Page 11B Page 2B Page 2B Page 3B SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2011 SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS 9B

The church today averag- CHURCHES es 250 at one morning service. Like its counterpart CONTINUED FROM 1B congregations, most core members drive in from the community outreach. suburbs. Another church is pre- To stem declines, church paring to start a boys volunteers walk the neigh- school, while a third will borhoods before the 2 p.m. open a bilingual children’s service, issuing invitations library. Several are con- and getting to know the structing multipurpose mostly Hispanic families centers. nearby. Mount Zion and its peers The effort is led by Ever- also are trying approaches son, the church’s first An- such as door-to-door neigh- glo minister on staff, who borhood walks, expanded bought a home four blocks food and clothing give- away and said she and her aways, more after-school husband plan to live there and parenting programs, at least 10 years. and sports activities for se- “We just pray that your nior citizens and young spirit would go before us as people. we go and keep us safe,” Such endeavors already Everson prayed before lead- are attracting Hispanics ing a recent neighborhood and fall in line with the walk. “We pray we’d be en- churches’ historic minis- couraged as we go.” tries, pastors said, noting Besides being an associ- Hispanics also tend to ate minister, Everson is come from economically with Servant Partners, a depressed backgrounds. JERRY LARA/[email protected] missionary agency sup- At Antioch BaptistIt’s Andy Ramos’ turn as he and others play a game during the after-school program at Mount Zion First Baptist Church. porting local churches and Church, about 5 percent of urban renewal. the up to 1,500people at fast growth, noting their changes, older East Side changing the historic role the family connected to Everson recruited about worship services are His- proximity to more black congregations believe they this black church has had,” Mount Zion through Joe’s two dozen people for the re- panic, said Pastor Kenneth households. remain the city’s symbolic said Mount Zion pastor mother-in-law living a few cent walk. The team en- Kemp. They also cite the kind of hub of black spiritual life. Otis Mitchell. “We just blocks away. dured 90-plus-degree heat. “I’m hoping that percent- openness to contemporary, And they are sinking roots want to add to it.” They say they enjoy the Pit bulls barked intensely age will increase as we’re nontraditional methodsdeeper. The church is raising $3 black church experience from behind fences. Roost- able to appeal to more peo- that historic black church- Antioch Baptist Church, million to build a family for its biblical teachings ers crowed from coops con- ple in our community and es are just now starting to founded in 1935, is raising life center, a kitchen and and animated worship. cealed by thick brush in provide services,” he said. embrace. $5 million for a family life banquet hall, administra- “The liveliness of the backyards. “From our perspective, we Resurrection Baptistand education center. It al- tion space and a classroom worship brings the spirit of Residents nodded politely are seeking to ... speak to Church in Schertz is an ex- so is raising funds for an for community programs. God,” Villegas said. “We’re to their overtures but were the needs of the African ample. Pastored by the Rev. all-boys middle school to The vision is workable, the all brothers in Christ.” mostly noncommittal. Most American community and Ray Brown, who grew up open this fall with black church says. The Villegases, one of spoke only Spanish and the Hispanic community.” on the East Side, it has and Hispanic students. And Case in point: the Ville- several Hispanic families had Catholic nameplates grown from 150 people at long-term plans might in- gas family. at Mount Zion these days, and images of the Virgin of Changing demographics Sunday services two dec- clude a Spanish-language arrived about the time Guadalupe fixed near their Amid the exodus of ades ago to 1,400 today, he service, Kemp said. Mount Zion story Mitchell took over for the doorways. blacks to outlying areas, said. Mount Zion has ramped They are now regulars, legendary Rev. Claude Everson, speaking Span- mostly the Northeast Side, “I think there will be a up Hispanic outreach in re- sitting in the same pews Black. ish, invited one elderly His- small numbers of low-in- shift to multiculturalism in cent months. It conducted a where Joe Villegas teaches In his nearly 50-year ten- panic woman to Mount come Anglos have moved all churches. That’s just in- neighborhood survey to a senior adult Sunday ure, Black built the church Zion. “Está bien” (“all in. But the census shows evitable,” said Brown, who guide the launching last school before the morning into a spiritual and civil right”), the woman re- Hispanic majorities inrecently hired a Hispanic November of a less-tradi- service. He also is the as- rights giant catering to sponded, nudging a screen some East Side neighbor- minister for his staff.tional service. sistant leader of theAfrican American needs. door to accept a bilingual hoods as high as 87 per- “We’re being forced into in- Unlike the morning ser- church’s men’s group. He led marches, served two flier about the afternoon cent, and only two with tegration. There’s a lot of vice, the music is contem- His three teen daughters terms on the City Council, service. slight majorities of blacks. irony there, and it’s a good porary. And the timing at 2 are ushers. They sing in and founded a black credit “Hopefully, some people Meanwhile, younger, pre- thing. We’re being more p.m. better matches the the youth choir and volun- union. will eventually come,” Ev- dominantly black churches true to our theological un- work schedules of Hispanic teer in the after-school pro- He attracted up to 1,500 erson said as she walked on the Northeast Side and derstanding.” families. gram. That’s been the case people at two services in back to the church. “We extending to Schertz report Despite demographic“We don’t intend on for four years now since his heyday. just plant the seeds.”

VALDEZ Mr. Santos C. Valdez Jr. born Legendary producer dies March 13, 1924, went to be with the Lord on April 13, 2011 at the age of 87 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Z. Valdez. He ‘Crazy Cajun’ is survived by his children: Rosalinda Landa, Lucy and behind Fender, Sir Vincent Grimm and Michael Valdez. Brothers, Henry Douglas Quintet Gonzales and Marcelino Gonzales Jr. Sister, Julie Trevino. Grandchildren: Au- also had dark side. drey and Julian Valdez, TILGER Brenda Valdez and friend WANDREI WULF "John David Tilger Sr. went Joey Fuller, Melissa and To- Etta Wandrei, loving mother, George William Wulf went to BY HECTOR SALDAÑA home to be with his Lord and ny Velasquez. Great grand- devoted grandmother, and be with His Lord and Savior AND ANDREW DANSBY Savior Jesus Christ on April children: Victoria, Sarah and great grandmother, passed on April 19, 2011 at the age 21, 2011. He was surround- Jack Velasquez and Blake away peacefully with her of 85. At 17 he was called to [email protected] ed by his family. John David Alyssa Carver. Numerous family at her side on April 17, serve his country which he was an honest, hard working nieces and nephews. A spe- 2011. Etta Wandrei was born did with valor, integrity, brav- family man, who loved his cial thanks to Marlen Lopez February 14, 1922 in Vishni ery, and honor for 25 years Notorious music pro- wife and family. He sacrificed for all your love and care you Bystra Ukraine and was a fighting for our freedom in ducer Huey P. Meaux, “the HOUSTON CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO his wants for others, his fam- gave to our father. A Holy survivor from the moment World War II, Korea, and ily, his country, and for those Rosary will be recited on she was born. She was one Vietnam where his many Crazy Cajun” who helped Comedian Norm Crosby (from left), Huey Meaux, Sammy in need. We say goodbye April 24, 2011 at 7:00 pm. at of the lucky ones who sur- decorations included The with a heavy heart but at the the Ortiz Mortuary Chapel. vived the Holocaust. In 1941, Purple Heart and The Bronze launch the careers of Davis Jr. and Freddy Fender pose. Meaux helped Fender same time we rejoice, for Funeral will depart on Mon- while in Hungary, she trav- Star. He continued serving Doug Sahm and Augie resurrect his career with “Before the Last Teardrop Falls.” where he is we long to be. day April 25, 2011 at 8:15 eled to Palestine using a our community as a Bexar We love you, miss you, and am. for a 9:00 am. Mass at false passport. She then County Deputy Sheriff. He Meyers and resurrected your legacy will live on in the St. Anthony Mary Claret Ca- joined the British Army and then became an entrepre- Freddy Fender’s, died Sat- ear for a hit. Phillips of the region and lives of those you touched." tholic Church 6150 Roft Rd. began training to be a nurse. neur by establishing the He is preceded in death by Interment will follow at Fort While in the British Army she largest locksmith business in urday after several Sir Douglas Quintet co- credited him with getting his beloved wife Cecile Marie Sam Houston National Cem- was assigned to Egypt and Northeast San Antonio. He is months of poor health. founder Meyers was shak- San Antonio’s Sunny Ozu- Tilger. Survivors include his etery with full military honors. Italy to help with patients and survived by his beloved wife, loving children Mary Chris- Arrangements with: also aid displaced war survi- Anita Wulf, 4 children, 6 He was 82. en by the news that his na on “American Band- tine LaFond and husband vors. After release from the grandchildren, 9 great grand- Meaux created his own friend and former pro- stand.” Scott, Margie Schroeder and British Army she continued children, and his 3 beloved husband Gary, Anna Marie her nursing education to be- dogs. A special thanks to his music industry in Hous- ducer and manager had “No one had a better Ramirez and husband Ri- come a Registered Nurse. In nephew Doug Hendricks and chard, John Tilger Jr., and 1952, she married Edward his cousin Mary Russell. ton by producing a moun- died. feel for people that could Forrest Tilger and wife Jen- Wandrei who was assigned Viewing will be held at Funer- tain of hit singles between They had remainedmake hits than the Crazy nifer, sisters Frances Lee to the American Embassy al Caring USA in Schertz on Tracy, Margaret Ann Tou- staff in Israel. As an Air Force April 27 from 3 to 5PM. Proc- the late ’50s and early ’70s. friendly through theCajun,” said Patoski, au- douze and Patricia Dean, 12 dependent she and her fam- ession will depart from Fu- The larger-than-lifeyears, with Meaux advis- thor of “Willie Nelson: An grandchildren, 10 great ily traveled the world to even- neral Caring USA to Fort grandchildren and other lov- tually settle in Texas. She Sam Houston National Cem- character also had a dark ing Meyers on recent al- Epic Life.” ing family members and was proud to be an American etery on April 28 at 9:30AM. side. In the 1990s, a raid bums and Meyers visiting “He had an ear for peo- friends. Visitation will begin citizen, but never forgot her In lieu of flowers the family on Monday, April 25, 2011 at roots in Israel. Mrs. Wandrei would prefer donations to on the SugarHill Record- Meaux in prison and send- ple that could sing in that 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to be- was preceded in death by George’s charity of choice, ing Studio where he kept ing care packages. heartbreak key, and that gin at 7:00 p.m. at Mission her husband of 53 years. Disabled Veterans of Ameri- Park Funeral Chapels South. She is survived by daughter ca. an office turned up evi- Meyers and Sahm, who explains Sunny Ozuna Funeral service will be held Karin Wandrei and partner on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Linda Cushman; daughter dence that resulted in his died in 1999, met Meaux in and Freddy Fender,” Pa- 11:00 a.m. at the funeral Judith Jones and husband conviction for sex crimes. San Antonio in 1964. toski added. “And that in- home. Interment will follow at Elby; grandson Christopher Mission Burial Park South. and wife Amy, granddaught- Meaux was born in Meyers played Vox organ cludes the greatest music For personal acknowledge- er Amanda Campbell and 1929 in Wright, La. When with the Fabulous Gold- to ever come out of San ment you may sign the guest husband Greg, and great book at www.missionpark- grandchildren Samantha and he was 12, the family ens. Sahm had his Mar- Antonio, the Sir Douglas s.com in the obituary section. Garrett Jones. In lieu of any moved to Winnie. Meaux kays. Both bands were on Quintet and Sunny & the Arrangements with: flower arrangements, we would request a donation to: went to barber school at a bill that fateful day with Sunliners. The rest of the Crohns and Colitis Founda- 19 and opened a shop in the Dave Clark Five. world would never have tion of America (CCFA), 386 Park Ave South, 17th Floor, Winnie. Backstage, Meaux told known those cats. New York, NY 10016-8804 or visit the web at : in- He was drawn to music them they should form a “Huey was as raw as [email protected]. You are invited as a child, listening to the group and “get something the artists he signed. to sign the electronic guest- book at www.schertzfuneral- work of local blues players English going.” That’s the beauty of him, home.com. Arrangements and his father’s accordion. “He looked at us and almost pure instinct.” are with: He tried singing, but said, ‘Hey, you have long After recording several “wasn’t worth a damn,” hair. And he has long hair. big songs at the legendary Meaux said in 2009. He You should put a band to- Goldstar Studio in the found work as a disc jock- gether,” Meyers said. ’60s, Meaux bought it in ey for KPAC. Meaux took the band to 1972 and renamed it Sug- Because of Meaux’s ra- Houston, helped themarHill. HAROLD ANTHONY dio show, swamp-pop sing- come up with “an English- There he helped Fender "BLACKIE" ZURLO er Gene Bourgeois asked sounding name” and re- resurrect his career with 11/27/1918-04/24/2009 if the barber would record corded “She’s About a the ballad “Before the Last Daddy, him. Meaux had no real Mover” for $25. It was a Teardrop Falls,” which be- It has been two years since you left to be in a background in producing hit within weeks. came a No. 1 pop single in better place, only peace and no more pain. I still music, but he set up the Meyers called Meaux a 1975. Fender died in 2006. bear the pain of losing the most important man in my band in the barbershop. father figure who “was Meaux’s golden ear be- life, my father. Under the name Jivin’ great with the ears.” gan to fail by the late ’70s. The only solace I now have is that Mommy has Gene, Bourgeois recorded “I rank him with Jerry He sold SugarHill in 1986, now joined you, and you are together again. “Breaking Up is Hard to Wexler and Clive Davis,” but kept an office there. I love and miss you both Do,” which became a re- Meyers said. “He got us Ten years later, police with all my heart and soul. gional hit. out of San Antonio. He’s a raided it and found thou- Love, Meaux’s breakthrough hustler. He knew how to sands of Polaroids and Your daughter, discovery was Barbara do that,” Meyers said af- videos of females, mostly FuneralCaring® Kathleen Lynn Ozen from Beau- fectionately. underage, in sexual situa- mont. As Barbara Lynn, Author and music writ- tions. 2 MASONIC PLOTS Sunset she released “You’ll Lose a er Joe Nick Patoski remi- Meaux skipped bail and Memorial $8000. Sect 1 Mason- Funeral Service Cremation ic Plot 503. 713-851-9600 Good Thing,” a No. 8 pop nisced about Meaux’s leg- was arrested in Juárez. He single that topped the acy: “recording the music pleaded guilty to four with Metal with Urn R&B charts in 1962. that came out of the High- counts andwas sentenced 9 Cemetery Plots, Sunset Me- $ $ morial Park. Valued @ $5,495 He left Winnie and way 90 corridor between to 15 years in prison. Four Casket 2199 999 ea, Will sell for $2,800ea. Call 210-212-6969, Laura or Neil. opened a studio in Pasade- San Antonio and New Or- years ago, Meaux was re- MISSION PARK SOUTH na. Though Meaux lacked leans.” leased and quietly lived 210-822-4445 Desirable Bethany Gardens Lot 5Locations-funeralcaringusa.com $2500 843-647-0694 technical skill, he had an He called him the Sam out his days inWinnie. SPORTS WORLD METRO Violence Rangers are mars rally Your chance in the Series in Rome The rally is to win $1,000 The Rangers celebrate after just one of is inside. 14C winning the ALCS over the fiscal Detroit. 1C protests held A&M 55, Baylor 28 around the Tannehill and Swope put on a world. 4A BILLY CALZADA football clinic. 1C [email protected] $177 OSU 38, UT 26 TASTE Occupy San Antonio IN COUPONS Cowboys spoil David Ash’s Texas spirits About 200 people make TODAY debut as a starter. 1C Lone Star their feelings known. 1B $6,496 AT&T Championship being Cat tale’s happy ending IN SAVINGS Couples dominating with a stamped on After 30 days, a woman THIS YEAR 10-under 2nd-round 62. 15C whiskey. 1H and her pet are reunited. 1B CHARLIE RIEDEL/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sunday, October 16, 2011 mySA.com The voice of South Texas since 1865 SUNDAY FOCUS BexarMet bets on getting water rights Record drought could choke utility

BY COLIN MCDONALD and Tony Parker. year’s time, it delivers more [email protected] The Bexar Metropolitan Wa- than 4 million gallons of good ter District wells there yield water to dilute the bad well wa- Anaqua Springs Ranch is one such foul water that the utility ter, even when there’s not a of the most expensive and exclu- has to truck in drinkable water drought, at a cost of $150,000. BILLY CALZADA/[email protected] sive neighborhoods in San Anto- 10 to 12 times a day from a fire A truck driven by Buddy Dixon (left) is hooked up to a pump moving nio, once home to Eva Longoria hydrant 15 miles away. Over a See UTILITY/12A water through a line into the Anaqua Springs Ranch community.

Killing of animals at state park sparks outcry BURROS IN THE CROSS HAIRS

JOHN DAVENPORT/[email protected] Wild burros pause atop a ridge near a remote area called Fresno Canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park near Presidio. In the past year, more than 50 have been shot.

BY JOHN MACCORMACK As the white bones scattered in the can- found here, the free-ranging burros com- [email protected] yon bottom made clear, lingering around pete with native animals including bighorn humans can be fatal for wild burros at the sheep for territory, water and forage, ac- Big Bend Ranch State Park,where in the cording to department officials. The burros RESNO CANYON — Appearing past year more than 50 have been shot and also harm riparian areas by, among other like a phantom in the shadowy killed. things, defecating in water holes, Leisure We are just After a three-year moratorium, in which said. Fcreek bed, the big gray burro nonlethal removal methods failed, the Tex- But just as in 2007, shooting burros is trying to .. . stared at the approaching vehicle for a as Parks and Wildlife Department has re- proving highly controversial. Critics say sumed shooting feral burros on the 315,000- the practice is unnecessary and raises control feral few seconds before scrambling up a acre park in far West Texas, with the goal questions about animals and cultural val- and exotic rocky hillside, followed by five others. of eliminating them. ues, and about how department policies are “We are just trying to execute the policy made and for whose benefit. animals.” Pausing at the ridge top, the dusky and practice of the agency to control feral “These people are making a choice for BRENT LEISURE and exotic animals,” state parks director the American people. They are choosing state parks director beasts looked back intently, ears perked, Brent Leisure said. before slipping away. Like the aoudad,an African sheep also See BURROS/18A GOP race has put the spotlight on Mormonism BY ABE LEVY aChristian.” cred books, say humans can be- Such skepticism is a hurdle [email protected] Many evangelicals such as come divine and engage in for Romney as he tries to win Inside Jeffress bristle at the Mormon temple rituals kept from public over evangelicals, a key bloc of ROMNEY: Some Dallas pastor In endorsing Rick Perry for claim that Christianity was off- view. the GOP electorate. glimpses of the Robert Jeffress, president earlier this month, base for centuries until Mor- Three-quarters of U.S. Pro- He brought the issue to the Republican in supporting Dallas pastor Robert Jeffress mon founder Joseph Smithre- testant pastors side with Jef- forefront in 2007 during his presidential Rick Perry for revved up a lingering contro- stored it nearly 200 years ago. fress that Mormonism is not first bid for the presidency, giv- hopeful as a president, versy about one of the Texas Even more troubling for Christian, according to a re- ing his so-called “Mormon Mormon are portrayed governor’s key rivals. some evangelicals: While Mor- cent survey by LifeWay Re- speech.” It was inevitably com- being Mormonism as “Mormonism is a cult,” Jef- mons revere the Bible and Je- search affiliated with the provided. acult. fress said. “Mitt Romney is not sus as savior, they’ve added sa- Southern Baptist Convention. See MORMONS/18A Page 16A

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“A burro carried on its back tor on Nov. 5, 2007. BURROS And in their sworn the Mother of the King of Kings.” statements, Hispanic park CONTINUED FROM 1A LUIS ARMENDARIZ employees expressed deep former parks department employee who thinks burros “are good animals” unhappiness. the bighorn (sheep) over “I used an analogy of the burro, and not stating how a burro carried on its any reasons why,” said back the Mother of the Margaret Farabee, founder King of Kings. I think of the Wild Burro Protec- those animals should be tion League. respected. I grew up with “When they go out and burros. They are good ani- shoot these animals, mals,” said Armendariz, a which are icons of our his- 35-year-employee. tory, they are causing psy- Park Ranger Raul Marti- chological damage to me nez said, “I feel bad about and thousands of other the burros being killed. I people. There are so many think they are beautiful. I reasons why this is not think they are an attrac- ethical or correct,” she tion for the people who said. visit the park.” Despite denials by Lei- Armendariz retired later sure, many believe burros that year, after getting an are being eradicated as unwanted transfer to Fort part of a misguided plan to Davis, 90 miles away. Gar- help the desert bighorn, cia, the park policeman, al- which last year were re-in- so retired prematurely. troduced to the park after Both blame the burro in- a half-century absence. vestigation, although de- Unlike burros, the reclu- partment officials denied sive sheep are unlikely to anyone was forced out. be seen by casual park vis- In their statements to in- itors. vestigators, both Hill and While not hunted at the Sholly said they were ex- park, sheep are a prized pert marksmen who killed game animal elsewhere, the burros as humanely as and Texas hunters have possible to further a de- bid more than $150,000 to partment policy. bag one. “I do not like it much “We want the bighorn to that we have to shoot the stay. We want the burros burros. There is no fun in to stay. It’s ridiculous that it. It is slaughter,” Hill one is exclusive to the oth- JOHN DAVENPORT/[email protected] wrote. er,” Farabee said. A wild burro in Big Bend Ranch State Park’s remote Fresno Canyon area. Nonlethal methods of removing the burros from the Stung by the public reac- park failed, and a three-year moratorium on their killing has expired. tion, the department halt- Part of heritage ed the killings, held a se- The first burro contro- done this week. During ment, or death; and to ac- in the flatter areas, the ries of public meetings versy exploded four years Marfa Artwalk (Nov. 18-19), there complish this they are to draws. They complement and invited outsiders to re- Alpine ago, after the Big Bend 90 will be 30,000 people here. be considered in the area each other. They don’t move the burros. In 2008, Sentinel in Marfa revealed Area of We’re gonna have pet- where presently found, as compete for forage or ter- Peaceful Valley Donkey Texas that two high-ranking 118 itions. Marjorie will be in an integral part of the nat- rain,” he said. Rescue came twice from TPWD officials had quietly TEXAS the parade with some of ural system of the public Although Leisure insist- California, but left empty- shot 71 without even in- 67 her burros,” said Rachel lands.” ed that “control of the bur- handed. forming park managers. Waller,an equine photog- But these protections ap- ro is not related to the des- “We tried several cap- Shafter Bighorn sheep Although the two offi- restoration area rapher in Alpine. ply only to animals on fed- ert bighorn,” he’s contra- ture methods, including cials later were absolved of “We’re the gateway to eral lands. The Big Bend dicted by other TPWD baited traps and mounted animal cruelty and other the Big Bend. We love our burros are on state land officials and documents. wranglers. The first prob- Presidio BIG BEND wrongdoing, some saw the RANCH tourists here. But who and thus have no protec- In April 2007, Michael lem was they had already killings as barbaric. STATE wants to go down there tion. Hill, then a regional direc- shot the easy 80. It’s a hell Native to Africa, burros PARK when they know they are Craig Downer, a Nevada- tor, wrote: “Two invasive of a lot easier to shoot came to North America shooting burros? It’s like, based biologist and advo- exotic mammal species them than to catch ’em,” 170 with the Spaniards. Their R ‘Look at the burros, kid. cate, spent a week at the need to be eradicated from said Mark Meyers, the MEX. io G Lajitas presence in the Big Bend ra Look quick. They’ll be park in February. Big Bend Ranch State Donkey Rescue leader. nd likely goes back centuries, e shot in a second,’” she He said the Texas shoot- Park preparatory to re-in- But because of the and they were roaming the 0 10 BIG BEND said. ings are part of a long- troducing Desert Bighorn park’s vast size and rough park property when it was MILES NAT’L PARK An online petition drive, term effort to reduce the Sheep. One is Aoudad and terrain, a successful acquired by the state in EXPRESS-NEWS GRAPHIC which asserts that “Texas populations of burros and the other is the common roundup would be very 1988, according to an ex- is killing wild burros to wild horses in the West. burro.” costly, requiring multiple manager. recent times,” said Za- make way for hunting op- Hundreds of burros have helicopters and teams of Some here see them as a chary Zniewski, 62,of portunities for wealthy been removed from the Opposed by rangers wranglers, and even then, vital part of the regional Marathon, a carpenterhunters,” has drawn more Grand Canyon and Death The 2007 burro shoot- would be a temporary fix, heritage. with a philosophical bent. than 60,000 signatures, ac- Valley, some by shooting. ings by Hill and Deputy he said. “Our trash here in Mar- Critics also note a herd cording to organizers. And since studies show Director of Parks Dan “They’ll never eradicate athon was hauled away by of longhorn cattle — an- burro overpopulation can Shollyproved divisive and them in the park unless donkey wagon. A hill be- other nonnative species ‘Need to eradicate’ be harmful, specifically to highly embarrassing to they fence the river,” he tween the national park that consumes forage and When the “Wild Free- bighorn sheep, even the the department. said. and Presidio is called water — roams freely in Roaming Horses and Bur- Sierra Club, a bastion of At first, Luis Armenda- With no good alternative “Muerte de Burros,”be- the park without fear of ros Act” was passed unan- environmentalist sensibili- riz,the complex manager, and no plans to change cause of the mules and snipers. imously by both houses of ties, accepts killing them suspected outsiders. How- policy, the state’s shooting donkeys that died hauling With no legal means to Congress in 1971, it de- as a last resort. But Down- ever, Robert Garcia,a de- campaign likely will con- rock during its construc- stop the burro killing, op- clared both animals “are er saw no reason to elim- partment policeman, soon tinue as long as burros are tion. The Shackleford kids ponents are trying to stoke living symbols of the his- inate them in Texas. learned the shooters were in the park, Leisure said. rode donkeys to school public indignation, from toric and pioneer spirit of “I thought they were ve- the two Austin officials. “It’s really our only here. Burros brought milk local communities to the the West.” ry compatible with the “Main issue I see so far means of control,” he said. to the miners in Shafter Internet. The act held that “free- ecosystem,” he said. is the Hispanic population “They will be very diffi- and Terlingua. Burros “We’re rallying all our roaming horses and bur- “The sheep occupyhas a BIG problem (cultur- cult to eliminate entirely. smuggled booze during local business people.ros shall be protected from steep, cliffy areas at higher al issues) w/killing bur- They come and go from Prohibition and dope in We’re getting our stickers capture, branding, harass- elevations. The burros are ros,” wrote one investiga- Mexico.”

Christ of Latter-dayin the Americas. The doc- er of the effort. “The Mor- “I’m not going to say Jesus and would suffi- MORMONS Saints is in the spotlight trine also breaks from the mon church has extensive it’s right, but it is normal ciently share my evangel- like never before. standard Christian belief experience with thefor people to worry about ical Protestant convic- CONTINUED FROM 1A It long has been one of that Jesus always was media and will do every- religious beliefs,” he said. tions,” he said. “But the world’s fastest-grow- God. thing they can to put “In that aspect, most of that’s a far cry from label- pared to John F. Kenne- ing faiths, with LDS offi- He began as a spirit their message out that the Mormon church mem- ing the entire movement dy’s famous defense of his cials reporting 14 million child, perfecting himself they’re just like everyone bers are very prepared to or institution as Chris- Catholic faith during the membersworldwide, in- later into becoming God else.” catch some flak. Buttian.” 1960 campaign. cluding 6 millionin the in a process also available Walker founded Evi- there’s no doubt that the Like Jeffress, some Romney’s success may U.S. to humanity in the here- dence Ministries in 1995 vast majority of Mormons evangelicals who support hinge on whether evan- Their college-age mis- after. in San Antonio to counter are very socially and fis- Perry say they’re pre- gelicals decide that un- sionaries blanket neigh- Mormons say critics the ideology behind the cally conservative.” pared to back Romney if seating President Barack borhoods. Mormons are skew this teaching. “cults” of Mormonism Mormon leaders stress he’s the GOP nominee, Obama trumps religious famous CEOs, entertain- “We are trying to be- and Jehovah’s Witnesses, their church remains po- saying religious affilia- concerns. ers and sports figures, come like our heavenly fa- he said. He calls Mor- litically neutral, includ- tions don’t necessarily Even Jeffress said he from Donnie and Marie ther,” local LDS spokes- mons upstanding citizens ing their president, whom mean much. likely would supportOsmond to Stephen Covey man Doug Clark said. and defends their right to they regard as a modern- Case in point: President Romney if he wins the to Danny Ainge.They “The specifics of how that worship, but also main- day prophet. Such a hier- Jimmy Carter was a pro- GOP nomination. make up nearly 3 percent happens, we don’t really tains a support group for archy parallels Kennedy’s fessed Christian who “I probably would hold of Congress. know. We’re so far re- ex-Mormons who say they Catholic faith, they note. turned out to be a dud, my nose and vote for Still, they want Ameri- moved from our maker struggled to break ties. He faced anti-Catholic said Dave Welch,execu- Romney,” he told the New cans to know them better. right now that it is be- His ministry receives bias in 1960 from conser- tive director of the Hous- York Times, adding, “I’d This month, Mormons yond comprehension.” regular donations from vative Protestants wor- ton Area Pastor Council, rather vote for a non- launched a national “I’m Community Bible and an- ried the pope would play a network of 300 conserva- Christian who embraces a Mormon” campaign, Local concerns other large North Side a role in the White House. tive Christian congrega- Christian values than a presenting everyday peo- This theological dispute congregation, Concordia Kennedy assured that he tions. professed Christian who ple as Mormons with TV also has played out in the Lutheran Church. would separate his faith “I don’t believe Mormo- governs by unbiblicaland radio ads, billboards San Antonio area, home “I don’t really callfrom public duty in a fa- nism is Christian,” said principles.” and an Internet promo- to 20,000 membersand a things cults, but their mous speech before the Welch, a Perry backer. A San Antonio legisla- tion in 12 cities, including regional temple atop a original idea was that Greater Houston Ministe- “But most evangelical tor who supports Perry San Antonio. hill in Stone Oak that’s Christianity failed,” said rial Association. conservatives are less said Romney’s faith isn’t “We hope that any mis- visible for miles. Robert Emmitt,Commu- Are Mormons achiev- concerned with Romney’s an issue. conceptions or stereo- A new facility in Helot- nity Bible’s pastor. “Good ing the same break-Mormon faith than they “The Christian faith types that might have es that will hold an open people meant well, but it through today? A group of are with his track record and the Mormon faith are been perpetuated over the house Oct. 29has stirred didn’t work until Joseph prominent evangelicaland the wide disparity very similar in that they years are slowly falling opposition from a couple Smith came along in 1820 scholars thinks so. he’s taken on critical is- stand for what’s right and away,” said Jeff Foote,a of dozen Christians who and had to restore it. That The scholars apologized sues. At the end of the true and just,” said state Mormon executive with live nearby. won’t get any airtime, but recently to Mormons for day, our choice is always Rep. John V. Garza,an Broadway Bank and a Most attend Communi- that’s what they’re say- mistreating them through between two imperfect evangelical who attends stake president, a district ty Bible Church, the city’s ing.” the years and now engage candidates and how im- Church Triumphant on leader. “And that people largest Protestant congre- in amicable dialogueperfect they are.” the South Side. “And if come to see us for who we gation. They underwent Seeking breakthrough about the two faiths’ com- Alejandro Sostre-Odio, we’re speaking the same are — followers of Jesus training to counter the Mormons counter that patibility. a Catholic and chairman things as evangelicals, it’s Christ.” spread of Mormonism, on the important issues, They parse doctrinal of the Latino National Re- sort of like what Christ But debate on that figuring missionariestheir beliefs match those hairs, but more impor- publican Coalition of said: ‘If they’re notpoint persists, particular- soon would be canvassing of other Christian faiths. tantly ask whether believ- Greater Bexar County, against us, then they have ly given beliefs some non- their neighborhood. Herman Cain supporter ers on both sides are liv- echoed that sentiment. to be for us.’” Mormons find bizarre. Several weeks ago, they George Rodriguez, a prac- ing out their faith, said “Conservatives from all The LDS faith teaches went door to door to pass ticing Mormon and presi- Craig Blomberg, a theolo- walks of life want a con- In the spotlight that Smith found golden out 1,000 DVDs of “The Bi- dent of the San Antonio gy professor at Denver servative candidate,” he With Romney and an- plates buried in early 19th ble vs. Joseph Smith.” Tea Party, is working Seminary and a regular said. “You’re talking other Mormon — former centuryNew York state “Christians are being with local evangelicalin the biennial talks. about someone with a Utah Gov. John Hunts- and translated them into inoculated against Mor- pastors to reverse the “I do believe there are strong faith. Whether man — seeking the GOP the Book of Mormon, monism,” said Keithcity’s recent approval of people within the (Mor- that’s Catholic, Mormon presidential nomination, which contains an ac- Walker, a missionary to domestic partnership ben- mon) church who truly or evangelical? I don’t the Church of Jesuscount of Jesus appearing Mormons and an organiz- efits. have a relationship with think that is relevant.”