Advocates Asking Saginaw Diocese for Answers Regarding Abuse Lawsuit

WSGW
August 31, 2012

http://www.wsgw.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=2481

Two advocates for victims of sexual abuse are requesting answers from the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, regarding a civil lawsuit, which he could soon be named in.

The case involves a former Philadelphia altar boy, who says he was sexually abused by a priest in 1992, in the diocese where Bishop Joseph Cistone formerly served. An attorney involved in the civil suit told CBS Philly that Bishop Cistone witnessed the shredding of documents relating to the abuse. The Bishop has declined to comment on the claims that he will be named in the case, but representatives from two organizations are asking for a response.

A member of Protecting Michigan's Children, along with a member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, delivered a letter, Thursday, to the Catholic Diocese, asking for transparency and inquiring whether money relating to the suit will come from the Saginaw Diocese. Representatives from the diocese say they will not comment on matters involving the lawsuit.

The criminal case surrounding the incident, which concluded with a conviction, did not involve Cistone.