A note from Tom Fox, NCR editor

by Thomas C. Fox on Sep. 27, 2011

It recently came to my attention that staff writer Rich Heffern, in the course of writing some of his columns, cut and pasted paragraphs from other Web sites, without proper attributions. Plain and simple, this is unacceptable journalism; it’s called plagiarism. We spoke together and went through some painful discernment before I accepted Heffern’s resignation. I offered him the opportunity to share some parting thoughts with NCR readers.

Under a lot of stress the last few years due to health reasons, I took careless shortcuts in some of my writing, and was not careful with attributions. I am deeply sorry and apologize to NCR’s board, to my colleagues and my readers. It’s been a joy to report on and present many of the efforts Catholics are making here and around the world in healing the Earth’s life-support systems for future generations, in caring for the poor and in exploring and re-imagining the church’s spiritual treasures and making them available to all. May our lives continue to be Spirit-filled and God-haunted.

Rich has been a valued part of the NCR staff on and off since 1984. He has been the chief contributor to the Eco Catholic Blog since it was launched a year ago. His spiritual reflections, rich and visionary, will weigh mightily despite lapses in judgment he has made.

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"God haunted"- Strange choice

Submitted by gerard (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

"God haunted"- Strange choice of words.

I have deeply missed Mr.

Submitted by charles j scanlon (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

I have deeply missed Mr. Heffern's column these recent months and wondered why. Truly Rick is irreplaceable, and I regret very much this process.

CAST NO

Submitted by Jerry Slevin (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

CAST NO STONE............Rich, all the best and thanks for your countless insights.Your long standing valued efforts will be remembered, while your stumble will fade from memories. We all err at times. Tom, thanks for being the principled guy you are. I am sure you acted very reluctantly and sadly.

This is the only example of

Submitted by Josue (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

This is the only example of "unacceptable journalism" you found at NCR? How about muckraking?

Ouch. Thanks. You won't be

Submitted by Sylvester "Pat" Steffen (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

Ouch. Thanks. You won't be forgotten for the good you've done.

Thanks for the notification.

Submitted by Azura (not verified) on Sep. 27, 2011.

Thanks for the notification. Still blessings for ALL, and for this great column idea: "Eco-Catholic".

Please keep Eco-Catholic coming.

To Tom and Rich, I understand

Submitted by bill from Providence (not verified) on Sep. 28, 2011.

To Tom and Rich,

I understand how these actions have to be dealt with in an iron-fisted manner, or the credibility of the publication with be diminished, or worse, ruined.

But I like the fact that you published Rich's comments, and I accept his comments. We know this this is a personal tragedy for Rich and his career. No one is perfect, and these imperfections manifest themselves is different ways in different people.

At the same time, I wish Rich nothing but the best, and pray that somehow he can again earn a living and restore him name through hard work. I hope many here will forgive him and support his next effort. I am also quite sure that he will now be more careful.

Thanks to you both. bill

Rich, our best wishes to you.

Submitted by Joni Woelfel (not verified) on Sep. 29, 2011.

Rich, our best wishes to you. You have been one of the kindest and most generous editors I have worked with, going back to Praying Magazine days. You have always been an inspiration and we wish you God speed, health and look forward to your unfolding work in the future. You are such a gifted writer, we appreciate your years of dedication and heartfelt depth. God bless you, Joni and Jerry Woelfel

Rich and Tom, this is sad

Submitted by Dave Andrews (not verified) on Oct. 01, 2011.

Rich and Tom, this is sad news on many levels. I for one at lunch with Rich not long ago expressed my amazement at the challenges of blogging having written a few but not the volume of finding or writing one a day. Rich agreed that it was indeed a challenge. Add to that pressure some health problems! None of which excuses but helps us appreciate the vulnerabilities. We do appreciate the commitment of NCR to these issues and the long history of Rich Heffern's witness and work for decades, these stand out for me.

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