Bishop Cleared, Freed; Ministered in Jail
Episcopal News Service. December 15, 1983 [83224]
MEXICO CITY, (DPS, Dec. 15) -- After 73 days in a state prison in Acapulco, the Rt. Rev. Jose G. Saucedo, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central and South Mexico, was released by the judge in charge of the case.
In a brief note, the judge ordered "the immediate and absolute freedom" of the bishop in a ruling that appears to exonerate him completely of any wrongdoing.
Saucedo was accused by John P. Black, a deposed American priest, of holding property which Black claimed as his own. In fact, the property was purchased with a church loan which was paid off by the income of the parish.
The bishop was arrested on Sept. 20 in front of his home in Mexico City and taken to Acapulco where the suit was filed. He was released on Dec. 2, three days before his 59th birthday. "The fellowship I enjoyed was such that I wanted to stay one day longer to say goodbye to all my new prison companions who have become real friends," Saucedo said, "but the law required that I leave immediately."
Commenting on his time in prison, he said that it was "very positive" and it "will be recorded in my heart for the rest of my life."
He arrived at the penitentiary in clerical dress which soon was changed to a uniform. " I observed all the internal rules and regulations. I got up at 5 a.m., swept floors, I cut grass and did all the things that inmates were supposed to do," said Saucedo with a sense of pride.
He claims his ministry in prison was the most "rewarding" experience of the whole ordeal. "I celebrated the Holy Eucharist regularly, I gave a great number of talks and spent many, many hours in counseling," the Bishop recalled.
He says that the fellowship in prison is something that must be experienced in order to be understood. "When I first arrived, my companions provided me with a toiletries and even an old blanket for my cement bed," he reports.
"On Thursday and Sundays many members of the Church and family came to see me. That was always a source of strength. I am most grateful to all the people around the world who sent letters, cards and telegrams. I felt very much part of the whole Anglican Communion," he said.
"I had no privileges and I believe that this was an important factor in gaining the respect and esteem of my new acquired friends," he said. He reported that at night during prayer meetings many family concerns were brought up. The prayers for prisoners and captives in the Prayer Book were repeated in unison. "I never thought much of that prayer until now", he said.
Saucedo affirmed that a prison ministry in order to be effective must be done from within. "It serves very little purpose to come and go immediately," he warned.
With a sense of humor, Saucedo recalled that he lost two of his acolytes when they were set free.
Saucedo is married to the former Juanita Ray Griffith, an American whom he met while studying at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va. They have four children.
Saucedo was consecrated Bishop of Mexico in 1959. In 1972 the country was divided into three dioceses. One of his brothers, Melchor, has just retired as Bishop of the western diocese.
In summing up Saucedo said: " I can say one thing: that my faith has become stronger, my ministry has been strengthened, my friends have proven to be loyal, and I have received more than I have given. I have seen Christ in a very real way. To my brothers and sisters of the Church my eternal gratitude, to my prison mates God's blessings."