Connecticut bishop protests court ruling, weighs possible appeal

May 28, 2009

Bishop William Lori of Bridgeport, Connecticut has angrily protested a state supreme court decision ordering the release of documents related to sexual abuse by diocesan priests. Writing on his blog, the bishop charged that last week's 4-1 decision by the state's highest court "failed to uphold the Diocese’s right to a fair adjudication of its claim by an impartial judge - a right that is fundamental to any legal proceeding." Bishop Lori claimed that the court bowed to media pressure, bending the rules of judicial procedure to reach its conclusion and using language tinged by anti-Catholic rhetoric in its written decision. The bishop did not say whether or not the diocese would appeal the latest ruling, saying that Church officials are "currently reviewing our options."

 

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Further information:

• Fundamental Right Denied (Bishop Lori's blog)
• Bishop Lori alleges media ‘intervention’ in court decision to unseal abuse records (CNA)
• Bridgeport diocese defends handling of abuse cases, weighs appeal of court decision opening records (CWN, May 27)