Local Bishop "Reducing Public Presence" during Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

WCIV-TV
August 18, 2019

https://abcnews4.com/news/local/report-local-bishop-stepping-back-from-public-appearances-during-sexual-abuse-lawsuit

Bishop Robert Guglielmone, Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston (WCIV File Photo, December 2018).JPG

The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston will be shying away public eye as a sexual abuse lawsuit is ongoing.

ABC News 4 has learned that a letter was read to parishioners across the diocese on Sunday. Within the letter, Bishop Robert Guglielmone said that he will "temporarily reduce" his public presence until the lawsuit is settled.

Guglielmone stated that he "...does not want to distract the focus from the important ministries of the Church in South Carolina - including creating safe environments for our children."

More: Lawsuit accuses Charleston Catholic bishop of sex abuse in 1970s

The lawsuit alleges that Guglielmone sexually abused a minor in the late 70s while he was a priest at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Amityville, New York, according to the diocese.

In the same letter, he called the abuse of a child "despicable," and said the accusation "...has no merit whatsoever."

He added that he will remain the diocese's bishop.

Guglielmone is cooperating with an investigation requested by the Vatican, according to Charleston Diocese spokesperson Maria Aselage.

The letter can be read below: