Sexual abuse report to be released soon

“The abuse crisis has wounded the entire church, first and foremost the victims and their families but in a larger sense all those affected by the abuse. That includes our many good and faithful priests.”

Frank Caggiano, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport

The release of retired judge Robert Holzberg’s report on sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport is expected next month and will include information on former Bishop Edward Egan’s handling of these cases during his time leading the diocese, according to sources.

A draft of the document has already been reviewed by present Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.

Sources within the diocese said the report will include information about abuse cases already made public and take a closer look at the actions of Egan, who later became cardinal of New York, and was accused of hiding allegations of priest abuse while the head of the Bridgeport diocese.

Egan, who was Bridgeport bishop from 1988 to 2000, died in March 2015.

Unlike his predecessor, Bishop William Lori, who promised transparency and then through the diocese’s lawyers battled in the courts for months to prevent the release of diocese records on abuse, Caggiano has released the details of settlements made to abuse victims — $52.5 million since 1953 for 156 abuse claims.

The diocese has also posted on its website a list of priests it has determined have been credibly accused of abuse, now up to 39.

Caggiano then hired Holzberg, a retired Superior Court judge now working for the Bridgeport law firm Pullman and Comley, to “oversee a comprehensive analysis and review of claims of clerical sexual abuse of minors, the diocese’s knowledge of such abuse and its response to allegations of alleged clergy abuse.”

The bishop said Holzberg would have complete and unrestricted access to all diocesan files, records and archives dating from 1953, and the opportunity to interview diocesan clergy and administrators with information relevant to his inquiry.

Last month, the diocese announced Holzberg’s investigation turned up credible evidence against Rev. Stephen Gleeson, who retired in 2013, after nearly 50 years of service as a priest.

Gleeson, most recently pastor of St. Stephen Parish in Trumbull, was placed on administrative leave.

While the diocese acknowledged it first became aware in 2002 of abuse accusations against Gleeson, Caggiano said there was insufficient information to find the allegation credible.

Brian Wallace, diocesan spokesman, said during research done for Holzberg’s investigation, additional information was found that supported the allegation against Gleeson.

In addition to talking to diocese officials and priests, Holzberg interviewed people who claimed they had been abused by priests. Some refused to speak to him because of concerns that the report is going to be biased towards the diocese.

Gail Howard, coleader of the Connecticut branch of Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, did agree to meet with Holzberg but told Hearst Connecticut Media she has concerns about his efforts to talk to victims.

“I would be surprised to learn that the investigation included a serious outreach effort,” Howard said. “To reach victims, it would be necessary to use all traditional and social media to broadcast a hotline phone number that victims or witnesses could use to report past crimes.

“It would also be necessary for the bishop or a surrogate to speak at Sunday Mass in each Bridgeport parish to get the message across in no uncertain terms that the diocese wants victims and witnesses to come forward,” Howard added. “Without these actions, victims will remain hidden in shame and silence. Most will never know the diocese was looking for them.”

Holzberg spoke about his investigation to the priests of the diocese at a meeting at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Weston earlier this month.

Following Holzberg’s talk in Weston, Caggiano stated in the Fairfield County Catholic that he felt it was important that the priests of the diocese receive a report summary that will help them to prepare for questions and respond to the concerns of parishioners.

“The abuse crisis has wounded the entire church, first and foremost the victims and their families but in a larger sense all those affected by the abuse. That includes our many good and faithful priests,” said Caggiano.

Caggiano, who became bishop in September 2013, promised accountability and transparency regarding claims of abuse by priests in the diocese.

“The Diocese of Bridgeport can never fully make right the suffering of victims and the sins of the past, but we are committed to bringing healing and reconciliation to all those affected by the crisis,” he stated.