SNAP Responds to Investigation of Alleged Sex Abuse by Wv Bishop

By Ashley Mullins
WTRF
July 9, 2012

http://www.wtrf.com/story/18978426/snap-responds-to-allegations-of-sex-abuse-by-wv-bishop


PHILADELPHIA, PA -

The world's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), is releasing a statement after Philadelphia prosecutors decided to investigate Wheeling-Bishop Michael J. Bransfield after allegations that he sexually abused a child during his priesthood in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Back in April, Bishop Bransfield, was accused of sexual abuse of a child during sworn testimony in the Philadelphia hierarchy clergy sex abuse trial.

When the allegations came out, Bransfield released a lengthy statement in which he said, "I have never sexually abused anyone."

SNAP said in a news release, "After Bransfield's angry letter of denial, it would be irresponsible and reckless for this testimony to be forgotten or ignored. We anticipate that Bransfield would like for these accusations to just go away, but it is well known that child predators rarely have only one victim. Sexual predators are often powerful and well-loved. They can also work their way up the church hierarchy ladder of authority and become bishops."

WTRF.com has placed a call to the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese for comment.

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