BishopAccountability.org
	Former Bishop Offers Apology for Letter By Michelle Blum The Intelligencer & Wheeling News-Register October 5, 2006 http://www.news-register.net/news/articles.asp?articleID=11248 Wheeling — Bishop Emeritus Bernard W. Schmitt said he regrets submitting a letter of support for Wheeling businessman Richard Mansuetto, who was convicted of possessing child pornography. "I had the best intentions when providing my pastoral opinion about Mr. Mansuetto, but I proceeded with very poor judgment," Schmitt stated Wednesday. "Even though I was not trying to prove the defendant innocent of his crime, I should have been more aware of the harmful effects that a person in my position could cause due to my letter." Schmitt, the retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, recently submitted a letter vouching for Mansuetto, 64, who pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing hundreds of images of children engaged in sexual acts. Schmitt, 78, was among a half-dozen high-profile community leaders who testified or wrote letters on behalf of Mansuetto, who is now battling bladder cancer. Many of his longtime friends and business associates had asked U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp Jr. to show compassion in sentencing Mansuetto. But Schmitt's involvement caused the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to distance itself from the remarks. Current Bishop Michael Bransfield said he has no relationship with Mansuetto and had no knowledge of the case. Mansuetto was sentenced Monday by Stamp to three years and 10 months in federal prison for the offense. He also was ordered to serve two years of supervised release upon leaving prison. Mansuetto is a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, where Schmitt served as parish priest before being appointed bishop of the diocese. In a statement prepared on Diocesan letterhead, Schmitt said he was very sorry for the concern resulting from his letter. "I want the public to know that I have done, and will continue to do, everything possible to support children and young people," Schmitt said. "I would never do anything to hurt a child, and I am an advocate for protecting children from abuse or harm, no matter what the cost." Violating children and their rights is "fully opposed to God's will," Schmitt added. "I have worked my entire career to support children through their religious training and to provide a safe environment for them to worship, learn and play, while advocating for protection of those who are vulnerable," he noted. "I cannot explain how much I regret that my letter hurt and angered so many in our community," Schmitt concluded. "I am deeply sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness." Schmitt was ordained as a bishop in 1988 and was appointed bishop of the diocese in March 1989. He announced in 2003 that he was retiring after reaching age 75, the mandatory retirement age for bishops under a 1983 church law. He continued to serve as bishop until Bransfield replaced him in February 2004. Mansuetto, meanwhile, will begin his sentence within 50 days. Defense attorney Elgine McArdle said that allows time to complete three rounds of cancer treatment. Before retiring, Mansuetto ran a family construction business, a travel agency and an advertising firm. He was involved in many charities and the chamber of commerce.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.