Give Voice to Both Factions

To the Editor:
Concerning the razing of St. Joseph’s old church that is sadly causing a deep divide within our parish, those in support of tearing down the church have recently stated that when Father Perreault offered a compromise to save the building, only $1,500 was raised. 
Many, including me, did not realize that this separate fund had actually been initiated. Even if I did, I would not have sent my money to the parish to be managed by Father. 
Forgive me, but only a few short years ago; the parish raised $2.5 million to help support a new, badly needed church. Father also asked us all to give more money in our weekly offerings which most of us gladly did. 
The money raised came with one strict qualification; the old church would be kept and used as a chapel. We have come to find that since then, the old church has been neglected and abandoned for several years. 
Despite assertions otherwise, multiple people, families, and groups have been removed or prevented from having services of any kind in the church. I have spoken to several.
Why then would I trust Father or his leadership to use new money donated under yet another qualification to disperse my money for its intended purpose? As the old saying goes: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
 I was a very vocal advocate of Father and the Catholic Strong Committee in the beginning of this process, but I have found that the more questions I asked, the fewer answers I received. 
I have pleaded with many in the committee to have an open, well-publicized parishioners’ meeting to let all voices be heard and not just a small, select few. The only meeting to date outside of the committee was an invitation-only fundraiser right after the decision was made to demolish the old church.
Sadly, I no longer go to the church I have called home since I was baptized there in 1961. I cannot walk past the old church, which is now boarded up like an old barn, and have peace in my heart. 
I have never even contemplated that St. Joseph Parish could ever be destroyed; now I am not so certain.
I pray that a resolution to this very emotional issue can be found with both sides having a voice and that the caustic divide that permeates our parish can be healed.