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	Accused Priest Led Sexual-Assault Review Board By Daniel Tepfer dtepfer@ctpost.com The Connecticut Post [Darien CT] May 27, 2006 http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_3871992 A Roman Catholic priest accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Darien church to support a lavish lifestyle with a male lover was in charge of reviewing sexual-abuse complaints against priests in the Diocese of Bridgeport, officials confirmed Friday. Diocese Spokesman Joseph McAleer said the Rev. Michael Jude Fay was the only priest on the 10-member Sexual Misconduct Review Board. "He is no longer a member, given his resignation from the parish, and removal of faculties during this investigation," McAleer said. He was referring to the suspension of Fay's priestly duties during the inquest. But members of a parishioner group dedicated to making changes in the diocese, along with a lawyer who represents dozens of people who claim they were abused by priests, said the recent allegations against Fay raise questions about the credibility of the review board. "The situation calls into question the integrity of the sexual misconduct review board," said Cindy Robinson, whose law firm, Tremont and Sheldon, represented 64 people who received settlements totaling about $36 million from the diocese. "The diocese obviously does not know its priests as well as it should." Tony Wiggins, spokesman for the parishioners' group, Voice of the Faithful, said the allegations about Fay show why the group is pushing for more participation by the laity in the workings of the diocese. "If there was more involvement by the laity, it would eliminate a lot of secrecy and ensure that somebody like Father Fay wouldn't pass muster," he said. Fay was removed as pastor of the Church of St. John in Darien and his ability to minister was suspended last week after he was accused of stealing more than $200,000 from the parish. McAleer stressed that the current investigation of Fay does not involve allegations of sexual abuse against minors. The sexual misconduct review board was established by Bishop William Lori in 2002 to oversee implementation of the diocese's sexual misconduct policy. Earlier this week, the Rev. Michael Madden, who was named acting administrator of St. John Church to replace Fay, resigned. Madden resigned as acting administrator after he admitted he had hired a private detective, Vito Colucci Jr. of Stamford, to investigate Fay. Daniel Tepfer, who covers state courts and law enforcement issues, can be reached at 330-6308.
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