BUFFALO — “The Shepherd does not desert the flock at a difficult time,” said Buffalo Catholic Bishop Richard Malone today in a rather hastily arranged statement to reporters Sunday afternoon.
Malone has been under fire for what Catholics say is the mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints against diocesan priests. In some cases, critics say Malone facilitated abuse.
While Malone says he prayed and consulted with fellow clergy members about calls for his resignation, but Bishop is staying and promises improvements.
Not good enough for Buffalo Common Council member Christopher Scanlon, "The Bishop is the spiritual leader of the diocese of Buffalo and he has violated and breached the trust of members of this diocese in a way and to a depth that there’s really no coming back from."
Scanlon and other Catholics believe Bishop Malone, who is leading the effort to investigate claims of sexual misconduct by priests may have also facilitated abuse.