Wednesday, September 01, 1999
Beiting steps down as chairman
BY KIMBERLY HEFLING
The Associated Press
Monsignor Ralph W. Beiting has resigned from his position as board chairman of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), the organization the Newport native founded 38 years ago to combat poverty in Appalachia.
Today, the Christian Appalachian Project has a $70 million annual budget, and more than 70 programs ranging from day care to job training in the Appalachian region.
“My years as a servant for the people of Appalachia and CAP are growing short,” Monsignor Beiting, 75, wrote in his letter of resignation. “After much prayer and soul searching, I believe my best contribution to CAP would be to step aside and have the board select another chairman to lead CAP into the new millennium.”
Monsignor Beiting could not be reached Tuesday for comment.
Bonnie Jansen, a CAP spokeswoman, said the board was caught off guard by the announcement of Monsignor Beiting's resignation at the Aug. 25 board meeting. She said there was no tension between Monsignor Beiting and the board.
“My love for CAP has not dimmed,” Monsignor Beiting wrote. “But, I think if I truly love it, I must step down now while I still have energy and some wisdom to support the new leadership and that must come soon. I will continue to support and strengthen you in a new way.”
Following the announcement, Monsignor Beiting was named chairman emeritus for life of CAP's board of directors.
Ms. Jansen said Monsignor Beiting will still be an active fund-raiser and work on some of his pet projects that include renovating old schoolhouses into community centers and the creation of Boone's Landing, a family camp outside Louisa.
The charismatic Monsignor Beiting has served as a priest for 50 years in eastern Kentucky. During this time, he's built 16 churches in the region, and written 11 books — including two about Daniel Boone. He's now writing his autobiography.
Monsignor Beiting came to eastern Kentucky at a time when there were few Roman Catholics in the region.
His ability to embrace people of all Christian denominations is partly responsible for the Lancaster-based organization's success.
Despite his contributions, however, Monsignor Beiting hasn't been without criticism. Over the years, critics have argued that he used pictures that exaggerated the needs of Appalachia, and that many of CAP's programs were too paternalistic, in that they gave away items without making people work for them.
Monsignor Beiting will continue as pastor of St. Jude Church in Louisa and St. John Neumann Church in Hode.
He is still in good health, Ms. Jansen said.
Jerome B. O'Daniel, of Lexington, was named the new chairman. Mr. O'Daniel is a retired IBM executive who also ran his own consulting firm.
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