We question family member’s inclusion in grand jury report

The interim grand jury report, released by Pennsylvania Attorney Josh Shapiro, was full of accusations and innuendo that may or may not be substantiated with factual and credible evidence. In the case against the Rev. Joseph L. Sredzinski, the report of possible child abuse in the early 1990s made accusations that were never proved or elevated to a criminal charge in a court of law. The comments merely reflected the case for “he said, she said” innuendo and other “hearsay” as opposed to credible and substantiated evidence.

In fact, quite the contrary! The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Childline and Abuse Registry issued a certificate on July 21, 2003, stating that “no record exists in the statewide Central Registry listing him as a perpetrator of an Indicated or Founded report of child abuse or an Indicated or Founded report for school employees.” This clearance document was not included in the “secret” diocesan files, which would have vindicated Father Joseph from further scrutiny.

What was the motive for publishing accusations or innuendo about deceased priests in the grand jury report? Who gained? Was it: 1) the unveiling of a cover-up within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church; or 2) popularity for Mr. Shapiro, who gained the most personal publicity from the release of the document? Surely, family members of those accused priests (now deceased) did not gain. In fact, family members are at a loss as to why the accusations occurred at all.

In a related Post-Gazette article written by Peter Smith and Andrew Goldstein about the then-bishop of Greensburg (Sept. 6, “Allegation Against Late Bishop Reported to Prosecutor”), they referred to “alleged victims of a second priest, Joseph Sredzinski.” The fact remains, Father Joseph received official clearances for his ministries after this accusation; therefore, we are certain his name should not have been used in the article about Bishop Anthony Bosco as well as the grand jury report.

Priests suffer much in other ways, yet Father Joseph was praised for community outreach, the respect he had in all the parishes he served and the love of his Polish-American heritage that will live in the hearts of many forever. PATRICIA L. BRENSY

Fairfax Station, Va.

The writer, the sister of the late Father Joseph Sredzinski, submitted this letter on behalf of members of Father Sredzinski’s family.