ALBANY, New York: Long-time former head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany says the diocese has covered up priestly sexual abuse and protected clergymen for decades by sending them into private treatment rather than calling the police.
Bishop Howard Hubbard, who headed the New York City Diocese from 1977 to 2014 and was himself accused of sexual abuse, admitted this in a statement from his attorney to the Albany Times Union in response to questions from the newspaper.
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The Times Union reported on Hubbard’s testimony on Saturday (July 31st).
“When an allegation of sexual misconduct was brought against a priest in the 1970s and 1980s, it was common in the Diocese of Albany and elsewhere to temporarily remove the priest from service and send him in for counseling and treatment,” said Hubbard.
“It was only when a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist determined that the priest was able to return to the service without relapse that we considered returning the priest to the service,” he added. “The professional advice we received was well meant but flawed, and I deeply regret that we followed it.”
Approximately 300 lawsuits have been filed against the Albany Diocese under a state law that allows people through August 14 to sue for sexual abuse allegedly suffered as children, sometimes decades ago.
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Hubbard, 82, has in the past denied allegations of sexually abusing minors. In an August 2019 statement, he said: “I have never sexually abused anyone in my life. I have faith in the canonical and civil procedures and believe that my name will be cleared in due course. “
In response to allegations in legal proceedings that he ignored, ignored, or covered up abuse by others, Hubbard told the Times Union in his statement that he was a leader in the Church’s efforts against abuse, including assisting with background checks and compensation for victims .
Hubbard’s testimony was not approved by the diocese, the newspaper reported.
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