Local Bishop Responds to Abuse Scandal, by Kate McGowan, WIVB, March 28, 2010

Local Bishop Responds to Abuse Scandal

By Kate McGowan
WIVB
March 28, 2010

http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/local/Local-Bishop-responds-to-abuse-scandal

[with video]

NEW YORK -- Catholics are being asked to give what they can to help charity, and this comes as the Pope faces world wide criticism in a church scandal.

The 82-year-old says he will not be intimidated by critics or media reports, claiming he played a role in covering up sex abuse of children by priests.

Bishop Edward Kmiec of the Catholic Diocese of Western New York expressed, "I think the Pope has answered his critics. He gives an answer. And I think he's a man of honor, of integrity, of honesty. I think if he felt he had done something wrong, I think he'd admit to it."

Buffalo Bishop Edward Kmiec discusses the impact the allegations are having on the faithful.

"Believe in ourselves. Believe in the faith you have. Criticism comes and goes. Whatever happens, our Lord stands clear," he exclaimed.

Sunday is the end day for its annual special appeal week, as the diocese try to raise money for Catholic Charities.

Bishop Kmiec explained, "Although it's called Catholic Charities. It serves all people."

Catholic Charities helps the poor and needy in the eight counties of Western New York.

Bishop Kmiec remarked, "Has a wonderful history of service to the people. Tens of thousands, even into the hundreds of thousands of people served every year. Perhaps even more so now because of the national economic downturn."