Bishop Dodges Questions on Priest Letter, Sex Abuse Lawsuit

ABC 7
October 9, 2014

http://www.abc-7.com/story/26749007/bishop-dodges-questions-on-priest-letter-sex-abuse-lawsuit#.VDefBvl_uSp

[with video]

For the first time since allegations of bullying, lack of financial transparency, violating Canon law and a $5 million sexual abuse lawsuit broke, we asked Bishop Frank Dewane to publicly comment on the issues surrounding him and the Diocese of Venice.

Bishop Dewane was in Fort Myers Thursday for a prayer vigil supporting the pro-life movement "40 days for life."

After numerous requests over several months for an interview on the allegations, we met up with the Bishop at the prayer session in front of Planned Parenthood to ask his side. We first asked him about the prayer vigil.

"I'm just here to pray with the group, ask the people about the vigil. I'm here to pray," Bishop Dewane said.

We then asked him for his reaction to a $5 million sexual abuse lawsuit filed last month.

Reporter: "If you have comment, personally, as to the lawsuit that came out recently?"

Bishop Dewane: "It's a lawsuit."

We finished up by asking about allegations in a letter 10 priests sent to the Pope that he is a bully, is not financially transparent and violates Canon law. When asking this question on a public sidewalk, supporters tried blocking us as the Bishop walked to his car. In the face of serious allegations, the Bishop's followers stood by his side.

"I think the reason that he's being criticized is because he's doing the right thing," Catholic Maria Maddalena said.

Bishop Dewane is scheduled to make a public appearance in Charlotte County at the beginning of November.