March 09, 2006

Bishops conference president accused of sexual abuse

SPOKANE (WA)
Chicago Tribune

Items compiled from Tribune news services
Published March 9, 2006

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON -- A woman has filed a claim that she was sexually abused more than 40 years ago by Bishop William Skylstad, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and leader of the Spokane diocese.

Skylstad issued a statement Wednesday categorically denying the accusation, saying he has not violated the vow of celibacy he took 47 years ago.

The claim was filed against the diocese Dec. 27 by a woman who said she was under 18 when Skylstad sexually abused her at St. Patrick's Parish and at Gonzaga University from December 1961 to December 1964.

Posted by kshaw at March 9, 2006 07:30 AM