Sexual assault | New York State Diocese Long Protected Many Priests

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Howard Hubbard, Bishop of Albany from 1977 to 2014, said the diocese sent bad priests for psychiatric treatment in the private sector rather than calling the police.

He made this admission in a statement given by his lawyer to an Albany newspaper. This was published on Saturday.

Some 300 lawsuits have been brought against the Diocese of Albany. The plaintiffs have until August 14 to do so, under New York state law. Some said they were assaulted decades ago.

Bishop Hubbard himself allegedly assaulted minors. Plaintiffs also accuse him of having covered up attacks committed by other priests.

“When allegations of sexual misconduct were reported against a priest in the 1970s and 1980s, the usual practice in the Diocese of Albany was to temporarily remove that priest from his ministry and send him for treatment,” says Bishop Hubbard. .

“We were only considering returning him to his ministry if a certified psychologist or psychiatrist determined that he would not reoffend,” he adds. The idea of ​​getting professional advice was well intentioned, but incorrect. ”

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