Leroy Matthiesen
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Leroy Matthiesen, born in Olfen, Texas is a theologian, political and social activist, and the former Bishop of Amarillo, Texas. He has shared a speaking stage with Elie Wiesel, and appeared on the cover of Life Magazine.
Notable for pursuing unpopular causes within the concerns of Catholicism, including a stay of execution for the killer of a nun, and providing sacramental duties for homosexuals, as well as influencing the resignation Catholic workers at the Pantex plant in the 1980s. Matthiesen has been in the news recently for advocating increased benefits for certain former priests from his diocese, that have been defrocked due to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Facing budget cuts, recently the Amarillo diocese slashed the stipend payments for ousted priests from $1600 to $100 USD. Reacting on what he considers a moral obligation, Matthiesen seeks to provide aid to three priests, Dennis Boylan, John Salazar, and Jim Hutzler.
