Priest Arrested for Growing Marijuana

(Barberton, Ohio) Yesterday, Father Richard A. Arko, a Roman Catholic priest with the Prince of Peace Church, was arrested for illegal cultivation of marijuana in the church rectory. Jensen J. Powell, 24, who lives with Arko, was also arrested and charged with drug trafficking.

Police say they found a marijuana growing system in a spare bedroom and confiscated about 35 potted marijuana plants, along with drug paraphernalia.

Bond was set by Judge Michael McNulty at $3,000 for Arko and $10,000 for Powell.

This is a logical result of ineptitude in the management of the Catholic Church. The random drug testing program for priests has not been effectively implemented. There should be little surprise that people are losing faith in the church when the priesthood is populated with pedophiles, homosexuals, and, now, potheads.

On a positive note, the faithful can be confident that contemporary priests are well qualified to hear confessions without being alarmed, shocked, nor too judgmental. They've been there, done that.