Cardinal Timothy Dolan Questioned by Lawyers about Sex Abuse in Milwaukee Archdiocese

WISN
February 20, 2013

http://www.wisn.com/news/south-east-wisconsin/milwaukee/Cardinal-Timothy-Dolan-questioned-by-lawyers-about-sex-abuse-in-Milwaukee-archdiocese/-/10148890/19008492/-/jwd7df/-/index.html

[with video]

NEW YORK —New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan has been deposed in connection to accusations of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

New York archdiocese spokesman Joseph Zwilling said Dolan's deposition started Wednesday afternoon in New York City. It is unclear how long it is expected to last.

Cardinal Dolan told reporters he was eager to discuss his time in Milwaukee and his handling of the abuse scandal.

"It seemed to be very conversational, asking me about the decision to release the name of priests, very controversial at the time ... I was happy to talk about it," said Dolan.

Dolan led the Archdiocese of Milwaukee before he was appointed to the New York position in 2009.

The Milwaukee archdiocese is facing numerous lawsuits over how it handled clergy sex abuse cases. It filed for bankruptcy in January 2011. The bankruptcy case will help determine how victims would be compensated.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has criticized Dolan and the pope for doing too little for the victims and issued a statement about the deposition early Wednesday evening.

"While these depositions represent progress, it's crucial to remember that the best way to prevent and discourage future crimes and coverups is for secular authorities to investigate, charge and convict Catholic officials who hide and enable heinous crimes against kids," SNAP Director David Clohessy said.

Peter Isely of SNAP said it's time for parishioners to hear the truth.

"The single most important thing for us today is that Cardinal Dolan insist and order his attorneys not to seal this deposition the people need to see it, we have a right to see it," said Isely.

Dolan has been mentioned in some church circles as a potential -- albeit longshot -- choice to succeed Pope Benedict XVI, who is resigning next week.