Church funds for luxuries and vacations

Church funds for luxuries and vacations

Bishop em. Michael Joseph Bransfield (m.) © Gregory A. Shemitz (KNA)

The former bishop of the U.S. diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Michael Bransfield, has given his diocese about 400.000 dollars repaid. In a now-released letter, he apologized for past misconduct.

Literally, the letter said, "I wish to apologize for the scandal and displeasure I have caused with my words and actions as bishop of Wheeling-Charleston."

He had led the diocese since 2005. After serious allegations of financial irregularities and sexual assault, Pope Francis accepted Bransfield's resignation in 2018. A church investigation concluded the allegations were "credible and substantiated". The bishop is accused of spending church funds on gifts, luxury items and vacations, among other things. Since 2019, he is no longer allowed to perform priestly or episcopal services.

Accusation of sexual harassment

Bransfield's letter goes on to say that he had been criticized for some allegedly "excessive" spending and had been instructed to refund some of it. This, he said, he has now done, even though he believed the expenses to be accurate.

Addressing allegations that he sexually harassed priests and seminarians, Bransfield countered, "While this was never my intention, I deeply regret it if anything I have said or done has caused such a feeling in others." He hopes that his apology will help to achieve a kind of reconciliation in the diocese.

Bishop must pay back half of the amount demanded

The acting bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, Mark Brennan, had originally called for more severe sanctions against his predecessor. So he wanted Bransfield a refund in the amount of about 800.Impose 000 dollars. Together with the Roman Congregation of Bishops, it was decided that Bransfield would apologize and 441.000 dollar must repay, it is called in a statement Brennans. In addition, the cleric's retirement pay would be significantly reduced.

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Christina Cherry
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