Catholic Diocese of Rochester, Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark admits reassigning priests after allegations of sex abuse
Jul 8, 2020 - child sex abuse, child victims act, Clergy Abuse, Priest abuse, sex abuse, sexually assualted by Jeff Herman
Tags: Child Sex Abuse, Child Sex Abuse Victims, Child Victims Act, Diocese of Rochester, Priest Abuse
In part of bankruptcy proceedings for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark, has admitted under oath that priests who have been accused of sex abuse in the past were still allowed to continue to serve in ministry.
Bishop Clark was asked about 50 + priests who were accused of sexual abuse of children.
Some priests he claimed he did not remember, but he did admit to sending Rev. Eugene Emo for treatment after learning about his sexual abuse allegations before reassigning him to another parish where he would still be involved with children.
Bishop Clark is 82 and has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Diocesan officials were concerned and objected to his being questioned.
This week the diocese issued a statement, saying he was inhibited by his diagnosis of early onset Alzheimers.
“As a result of these limitations, the deposition is in many instances imprecise and inaccurate and thus calls into question whether it is a credible addition to the bankruptcy case record,” the statement continues.
As part of the bankruptcy case, sex abuse survivors are looking for claims against the diocese before The Child Victims Act in New York is set to expire on Aug. 14.
