Sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport
The sexual abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport is a significant episode in the series of Catholic sex abuse cases in the United States. It involves numerous allegations of sexual abuse against priests within the Diocese, with accusations dating back to 1953.
Key events include a series of lawsuits that led to landmark court decisions compelling the release of confidential documents, and a 2019 judicial investigation commissioned by the Diocese. In 2009, decisions by the Supreme Court of Connecticut and the U.S. Supreme Court compelled the Diocese to release thousands of previously sealed legal documents related to the lawsuits.
In 2019, an independent judicial report accused 71 priests of sexually abusing approximately 300 children since 1953. The report also severely criticized the handling of the crisis by the Diocese’s three consecutive bishops over four decades, particularly former Bishop Edward Egan, who was characterized as having a "dismissive, uncaring, and at times threatening attitude toward survivors".
Supreme Court of Connecticut decision
In May 2009, a decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court ordered the release of thousands of legal documents from lawsuits filed against priests accused of sexually abusing children.Archbishop Egan's legacy
In 1993, during Edward Egan's time as Bishop of Bridgeport, 23 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests were filed against the Diocese. Five priests were removed from the ministry during his tenure, and two, Kherian Ahearn and John Castaldo, were convicted on sex abuse charges in 1993 and 2001, respectively. However, many priests credibly accused of abuse during this period died without facing prosecution.The 23 lawsuits filed during Egan's leadership were settled in 2001, one year after he was appointed Archbishop of New York. In April 2002, Cardinal Egan publicly apologized in a letter read out at Mass, stating, "If in hindsight we also discover that mistakes may have been made as regards prompt removal of priests and assistance to victims, I am deeply sorry". Nearly ten years later, in February 2012, the retired cardinal retracted his apology in an interview with Connecticut magazine, stating, "I never should have said that," and repeatedly denied that any sexual abuse had happened while he was leading the Bridgeport diocese.
US Supreme Court decision
On October 5, 2009, the United States Supreme Court rejected a request by the diocese to stay the Connecticut Supreme Court decision. On Nov. 2, 2009 the United States Supreme Court decided not to grant a writ of certiorari.Subsequent Events
Bishop William E. Lori has opposed legislation by State Representative Michael P. Lawlor and State Senator Andrew J. McDonald that would remove control of the diocese from the bishop and place it into the hands of laymen.The legislation had been written with the help of liberal Catholics, including Connecticut attorney Thomas Gallagher, a contributor to the group Voice of the Faithful.