News on Michael Bransfield and the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Bransfield accuser issues statement on Bransfield’s apology letter
David Beard, The Dominion Post, August 26, 2020
Response by Victim VGD to Bransfield’s, Catholic Bishops’ Statements on Abuse and Reconciliation
V.G.D., Medium.com, August 26, 2020 (PDF backup here)
US laypeople criticise “lack of accountability” in Vatican order that disgraced bishop pay back only a fraction of misused funds
Cameron Doody, Novena News, August 25, 2020
At Mass, Faithful Say Michael Bransfield’s Apology Not Enough
Wheeling Intelligencer, August 23, 2020
Daily Drinking, Alleged Sexual Harassment, Lavish Spending: How Michael Bransfield Shook the Faithful
Alan Olson, Wheeling Intelligencer, August 22, 2020
Bransfield ‘apology’ does not suffice and church needs more reform, leader of lay Catholics group says
Brad McElhinny , WV Metro News, August 21, 2020
Survivors Network: Apology ‘Cannot Absolve’ Bransfield
Alan Olson, Wheeling Intelligencer, August 21, 2020
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston announces finalization of amends process for former Bishop
Jaime Baker, WTOV Wheeling, August 20, 2020
Disgraced Bishop Bransfield writes to apologize ‘for any scandal or wonderment’
Brad McElhinny, WV Metro News, August 20, 2020
Philly native and ex-Bishop Michael Bransfield apologizes for financial and sexual impropriety — yet still says he did nothing wrong
Jeremy Roebuck, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 20, 2020
Former West Virginia bishop apologizes, reimburses diocese
John Raby, National Catholic Reporter/Associated Press, August 20, 2020
Vatican agrees to weakened restitution for West Virginia bishop accused of sexual and financial misdeeds
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, August 20, 2020
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Announces “Amends Plan” for Ex-Bishop Michael Bransfield
SNAP, August 20, 2020
Michael Bransfield’s Letter to the Faithful
August 20, 2020 (release date)
Statement by Bishop Mark Brennan of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese on the Congregation of Bishops’ decision on amends plan for Bishop Michael J. Bransfield
August 20, 2020
Disgraced West Virginia bishop Michael Bransfield was told a year ago to make restitution. His successor says Bransfield has gone incommunicado.
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, August 11, 2020
Lawsuit Against Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Can Move Forward
SNAP, Aug. 5, 2020
Hancock County Court Rejects Diocese’s Request To Dismiss Lawsuit
Wheeling Intelligencer, Aug, 5, 2020
Brennan: I have not heard from Bransfield in months about his amends
WV Metro News, Aug. 4, 2020
Va. man says he was sexually abused by priest growing up in Northern Panhandle
Chris Dickerson, West Virginia Record, May 15, 2020
West Virginia Enacts Modest Child Sex Abuse Reform
Joseph H. Saunders, The Legal Examiner, April 13, 2020
Catholic lay leader says release of diocese audit is significant but not enough
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, Feb. 24, 2020
Bishop shakeup: West Virginia Catholic diocese issues audit
John Raby, The Associated Press, Feb. 24, 2020
First published audit of Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston shows loss in cash flow
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, Feb. 21, 2020
Release of the Independent Auditors Report 2019 and Audited Financial Statements
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Feb. 21, 2020
Interview: Michael Iafrate (Catholic Committee of Appalachia) on Talkline (begins at 1:21:00)
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline/WV MetroNews, Dec. 30, 2019
Disgraced bishop spent $4.6 million on mansion that sold for only $1.2 million
Aaron C. Davis, Washington Post, Dec. 29, 2019
Top 10 of 2019: Diocese Seeks To Regroup in Wake of Bransfield-Related Turmoil
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, Dec. 29, 2019
Washington Post publishes Vatican report on West Virginia investigation
Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service, Dec. 27, 2019
Investigative Report into Disgraced Bishop Michael Bransfield Released by Washington Post, not Church Officials
SNAP, Dec. 23, 2019
Investigative report on former bishop Michael J. Bransfield (Feb. 21, 2019)
Published by the Washington Post, Dec. 23, 2019
[backed up at ccappal.org here]
The Bransfield report: Post publishes secret Vatican document as parishioners demand answers
Shawn Boburg, Robert O’Harrow, Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, Dec. 23, 2019
Bishop Brennan: ‘Faith of Our People Is Strong’
Heather Ziegler, Wheeling Intelligencer, Dec. 18, 2019
Rosary held for abuse survivors brings courage within Diocese
Royce Jones, WTRF, Dec. 8, 2019
A new bishop wants his predecessor to atone – in very practical ways
Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald, Dec. 5, 2019
W. Va. bishop meets Vatican official to discuss predecessor’s amends
Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service, Dec. 4, 2019
Former Seminarian Reacts To Catholic Diocese’s ‘List Of Amends’ For Banished Bishop Bransfield
Glynis Board, West Virginia Public Radio, Dec. 3, 2019
Former W.Va. bishop Michael Bransfield says charitable donation was a gift
Shawn Boburg and Robert O’Harrow, Washington Post, Dec. 2, 2019
Interview with Shawn Boburg of the Washington Post (begins around the 53 minute mark)
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline, Dec. 2, 2019
Archbishop Lori: Bishops must focus on poor, not seek personal gain
Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service, Dec. 2, 2019
Auxiliary Bishop in Philadelphia Accepted Cash Gifts from Bishop Under Investigation for Abuse
SNAP, Dec. 1, 2019
Diocese explains Bransfield amends as pressure from outside mounts
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, Dec. 1, 2019
‘They looked the other way’: Sexual abuse claim dismissed by church foreshadowed years of allegations against Catholic bishopRobert O’Harrow and Shawn Boburg, Washington Post, Nov. 29, 2019
Diocese Responds to Attorney General
Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 28, 2019
Interest Group Responds to Amends
Alan Olson, Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 27, 2019
West Virginia bishop asks predecessor to repay $792,000 to diocese
Dennis Sadowski, NCR/Catholic News Service, Nov. 27, 2019
Bishop Mark E. Brennan outlines plan of amends required of Bransfield, SNAP/AG responds
John Lynch and D.K. Wright, WTRF, Nov. 26, 2019
After scandals, Diocese seeks restitution, retirement rollback from Bransfield
Jake Zuckerman, Charleston Gazette-Mail, Nov. 26, 2019
Diocese: Bransfield should apologize and pay $792,000 restitution
Brad McElhinny, WV Metro News, Nov. 26, 2019
Brennan: Bransfield Amends Include Money, Apology
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 26, 2019
West Virginia bishop calls for predecessor, accused of sex and financial misconduct, to pay $792,000 in restitution and to apologize
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, Nov. 26, 2019
Letter from Bishop Brennan on the Bransfield Amends Plan
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Nov. 26, 2019
Catholic boards hailed as fix for sex abuse often fail
Reese Dunklin, Mitch Weiss and Matt Sendensky, Associated Press, Nov. 20, 2019
Bishops’ conference president disinvites Bishop Bransfield from fall assembly
Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service, Nov. 5, 2019
A big-spending bishop spent $2.3M in hospital funds on a Charleston church. Its 35-year priest left over it.
Ryan Quinn, Charleston Gazette-Mail, Nov. 4, 2019
Financial Records Reveal Questionable Decisions About Bishops Fund Within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Mike Jones, Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 3, 2019
Wheeling-Charleston Diocese bishop responds to latest spending reports on former bishop Bransfield
Jeff Jenkins, WV Metro News, Oct. 31, 2019
West Virginia bishop seeks ‘amends for harm’ to church by predecessor
Catholic News Service, Oct. 31, 2019
Bishop Mark Brennan releases statement after report of Bransfield’s $21 million “Bishop Fund”
John Lynch, WTRF, Oct. 31, 2019
Catholic group calls on more diocese restructure following latest Bransfield report
WV MetroNews, Oct. 30, 2019
Report: Bransfield used $21 million from Wheeling Hospital for “Bishop’s Fund
(includes Diocesan statement)
WTRF, Oct. 28, 2019
Bishop’s Fund cumulative grants
Washington Post, Oct. 26, 2019
From West Virginia to the Vatican: How a Catholic bishop secretly sent money from a church hospital to a cardinal in Rome
Robert O’Harrow Jr. and Shawn Boburg, Washington Post, Oct. 26, 2019
Wheeling U Names New President, Hit With Lawsuit
Rick Seltzer, Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 8, 2019
Former Wheeling University president sues university, others for hiding school’s financial troubles
Kyla Asbury, West Virginia Record, Oct. 7, 2019
Wheeling University names new president; former president files suit against institution
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, Oct. 7, 2019
Wheeling U. president alleges school lied about finances, misspent money
Ryan Quinn, Charleston Gazette-Mail, Oct. 7, 2019
Former President Mihalyo Alleges Fraud at Wheeling U.
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, Oct. 7, 2019
Complaint
Michael Mihalyo v. Wheeling Jesuit University, WJU Board of Trustees, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Diocesan Realty Inc., Monsignor Kevin Quirk, Bishop Michael Bransfield, Bishop Mark Brennan, Archbishop William Lori, Ginny Favede, Edward Shahady, and John Doe, Oct. 4, 2019
Ex-Bishop Michael Bransfield Again Accused of Abuse
SNAP, Oct. 4, 2019
Catholic seminarians are newly speaking out about sexual misconduct — and being shunned as a result
Michelle Boorstein, The Washington Post, Oct. 4, 2019
Bishop Bransfield facing new abuse allegation
Catholic News Agency, Oct. 3, 2019
Former W.Va. bishop Michael Bransfield under investigation by police for alleged abuse of 9-year-old girl
Shawn Boburg and Robert O’Harrow, The Washington Post, Oct. 3, 2019
Survivors Network praises second suit against Bransfield
Jess Mancini, Parkersburg News & Sentinel, Oct. 2, 2019
Another Abuse Lawsuit Filed Against Former Bishop Michael Bransfield
SNAP, Oct. 1, 2019
Lawsuit accuses ex-bishop of sexually harassing seminarian
Associated Press, Oct. 1, 2019
Another lawsuit filed against Bransfield for sexual harassment, assault
Kyla Asbury, West Virginia Record, Sept. 30, 2019
Second Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed Against Former bishop Michael Bransfield
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 30, 2019
Wheeling University reinstating some academic, athletic programs
WTOV, Sept. 16, 2019
Former Bishop’s Home Sold for $1.2 Million, Proceeds to Aid Sexual Abuse Victims
Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 13, 2019
Letter to the Faithful
Bishop Mark Brennan, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Sept. 13, 2019
Complaint
V.G.D. vs. USCCB, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Michael Bransfield, Sept. 13, 2019
A penthouse, limousines and private jets: Inside the globe-trotting life of Bishop Michael Bransfield
Shawn Boburg and Robert O’Harrow, Washington Post, Sept. 12, 2019
[See also: Wheeling Intelligencer]
Merits of AG’s Lawsuit Against Diocese Argued
Jess Mancini, Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 11, 2019
Former Wheeling U. Faculty Members Sue for Wrongful Termination
Mike Jones, Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 9. 2019
Morrisey: Case against diocese should not be dismissed
David Beard, WV Metro News/Dominion Post, Sept. 6, 2019
W.Va. scandal muddies legacy of Vatican’s longtime fixer from Baltimore
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, Sept. 2, 2019
‘Sunday Sit-Down’ With The Most Rev. Mark Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 1, 2019
Brennan appoints Ostrowski to second highest-ranking position in diocese
WV Metro News, Aug. 30, 2019
New Bishop Shows Willingness to Meet Public
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, Aug. 23, 2019
New Wheeling bishop pledges to address scandal
Peter Smith, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Aug. 22, 2019
Lawsuit accusing ex-bishop of drunken sexual assault settled
John Raby, Associated Press, Aug. 21, 2019
Lawsuit accusing Bransfield of sexual misconduct settled
David Beard, WV Metro News, Aug. 20, 2019
Wheeling University President, Senior Vice President Reportedly Placed on Leave
Linda Comins and Steven Allen Adams, Wheeling Intelligencer, Aug, 2, 2019
W.Va. Attorney General Seeks Transparency From New Bishop
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, July 28, 2019
New bishop says it will take time to gain WV Catholics’ trust
Rebecca Carballo, Charleston Gazette, July 27, 2019
Letter to the Editor
Bryan Minor, Washington Post, July 25, 2019
Attorney General requests full Bransfield report
Jamie Baker, WTOV, July 25, 2019
Reaction continues following Brennan announcement
David Beard, WV Metro News/Dominion Post, July 24, 2019
Baltimore auxiliary bishop to bring pastoral ways to a West Virginia diocese troubled by scandal
Johnathan Pitts, Baltimore Sun, July 23, 2019
Interview with Bryan Minor of DWC
Steve Novotney Live, July 23, 2019
Interview with Bishop-elect Brennan
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline, July 23, 2019
Poverty, opioid crisis, need for healing among issues awaiting bishop
Christopher Gunty, Catholic News Service, July 23, 2019
DWC Press Conference with Bishop Mark Brennan
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, July 23, 2019
Pope Francis names Bp Mark Brennan to follow Bransfield at West Virginia diocese
Courtney Grogan, Catholic News Agency, July 23, 2019
Baltimore auxiliary bishop”: “a real shock” to be named to lead West Virginia diocese troubled by scandal
Jonathan Pitts, Baltimore Sun, July 23, 2019
Vatican appoints new bishop to scandal-hit West Virginia diocese
Sarah Pullliam Bailey, Washington Post, July 23, 2019
Baltimore Auxiliary Bishop Brennan named to head West Virginia diocese
Catholic News Service, July 23, 2019
Pope Francis Announces Appointment of Bishop Mark E. Brennan As Ninth Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, West Virginia
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, July 23, 2019
Report: Baltimore auxiliary bishop to be next bishop of Wheeling-Charleston
Jeff Jenkins, WV Metro News, July 22, 2019
Report: New bishop to be named to head WV Catholic diocese
Charleston Gazette, July 22, 2019
West Virginia’s Catholic diocese to make announcement on ‘future leadership’
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, July 22, 2019
Pope Francis imposes sanctions on US bishop
Vatican News, July 20, 2019
West Virginia bishop formally disciplined by Pope Francis
Peter Feuerherd, National Catholic Reporter, July 20, 2019
Former West Virginia bishop disciplined by pope
NBC, July 19, 2019
Vatican bans W.Va. bishop accused of sexual and financial misconduct from public ministry
Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, July 19, 2019
Communique regarding Michael Bransfield
Apostolic Nunciature, July 19, 2019
After pressure from lay group, West Virginia diocese agrees to audit
Peter Feuerherd, National Catholic Reporter, July 19, 2019
WV Diocese secures new independent auditor amid growing concerns from Catholics
Jake Jarvis, WV News, July 18, 2019
Interview with Margaret Roberts of Lay Catholic Voices for Change (begins about 55:40)
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline, July 18, 2019
Interview with Tim Bishop of DWC (begins about 16:10)
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline, July 18, 2019
Facing financial boycott, West Virginia’s Catholic diocese agrees to hire new auditor and make findings public
Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, July 17, 2019
Diocese hires auditor, lay group suspends campaign
Jess Mancini, Parkersburg News and Sentinel, July 17, 2019
New auditor will review diocese’s accounts
WV Metro News, July 17, 2019
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston appoints a new independent auditor
WTRF, July 17, 2019
Archbishop William Lori Announces New Auditor, Stronger Spending Controls for Wheeling-Charleston Diocese
Wheeling Intelligencer, July 17, 2019
Financial Stewardship Update
Archbishop William Lori, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, July 17, 2019
Interview: J Aultman-Moore of Lay Catholic Voices for Change (begins at 28:00)
Talkline, WV Metro News, July 12, 2019
Group wants contributions withheld from diocese
Jess Mancini, Parkersburg News and Sentinel, July 12, 2019
Report claims church leaders long knew about Bransfield accusations
Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service, July 12, 2019
Catholic group launches Diocese donation boycott
Staff, WV Metro News, July 11, 2019
Sunday Sit-Down With William Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Wheeling Intelligencer, July 7, 2019
West Virginia prosecutor says diocese resisting transparency
Associated Press, July 5, 2019
Morrisey blasts Wheeling-Charleston Diocese for amended motion to dismiss
Steven Allen Adams, Parkersburg News and Sentinel, July 4, 2019
Morrisey renews request for Diocese to release Bransfield report
Kyla Asbury, WV Record, July 3, 2019
Cardinal Burke breaks silence over gifts from disgraced bishop
Christopher Altieri, Catholic Herald, July 3, 2019
Warnings about W.Va. bishop went unheeded as he doled out cash gifts to Catholic leaders
Robert O’Harrow and Shawn Boburg, Washington Post, July 3, 2019
Catholic Group Awaits Response from Diocese After Scandal
Alan Olson, Wheeling Intelligencer, June 28, 2019
‘He hurt people’: West Virginia’s long-faithful Catholics grapple with news of their bishop’s misconduct
Julie Zauzmer, Washington Post, June 19, 2019
Archbishop Lori’s Homily for Trinity Sunday
Delivered in Weirton and Martinsburg, WV, June 15-16, 2019
Interview: Charles DiSalvo of Lay Catholic Voices for Change (begins at 27:35)
Talkline, WV Metro News, June 14, 2019
Open letter criticizes diocese for approach to scandals
David Beard, WV Metro News/Dominion Post, June 13, 2019
Open Letter to Archbishop Lori, priests of the DWC, and fellow lay sisters and brothers in the DWC
Lay Catholic Voices for Change (Morgantown, WV), June 12, 2019
In video, archbishop overseeing West Virginia probe expresses regret
Rhina Guidos, National Catholic Reporter/Catholic News Service, June 12, 2019
Two Priests Resign in West Virginia Shakeup
Talal Ansari, Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2019
U.S. Catholic bishops, under fire, meet to consider proposals to police themselves
Michelle Boorstein and Julie Zauzmer, Washington Post, June 11, 2019
Archbishop William Lori: Priests Listed in Bransfield Report Out; Quirk, Cincinnati, Annie reassigned
Alex Myers, Wheeling Intelligencer, June 11, 2019
When Should the Board Have Known? Wheeling Jesuit board chair steps down in wake of confidential report revelations
Rick Seltzer, Inside Higher Ed, June 11, 2019
Cardinal Dolan stays mum over gift from embattled West Virginia bishop
Michael Gartland, NY Daily News, June 10, 2019
Three priests accused of enabling W.Va. bishop’s ‘predatory and harassing conduct’ resign
Robert O’Harrow Jr., Shawn Boburg, Washington Post, June 10, 2019
Archbishop Lori: Three Priests Named in Bransfield Report Have Been Reassigned
Wheeling Intelligencer, June 10, 2019
Wheeling-Charleston Apostolic Administrator Archbishop William Lori Announces Personnel Changes
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, June 10, 2019
New Details of W.Va. Priest Case Raise More Questions About Diocesan Response to Abuse Allegations
Michael M. Barrick and Michael J. Iafrate, Appalachian Chronicle, June 9, 2019
Lori: Healing requires new bishop
John McCabe, Parkersburg News and Sentinel, June 8, 2019
Mixed Views on Next Steps for Roman Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Alex Meyer, Wheeling Intelligencer, June 8, 2019
U.S. bishops seek to rebuild trust amid sex scandal
Greg Erlandson, America Magazine, June 7, 2019
Morrisey calls for Catholic Church to release Bransfield report
Kyla Asbury, West Virginia Record, June 7, 2019
Catholic church reform advocates criticize Lori for deleting mention of bishop’s gifts in report to Vatican
Jonathan M. Piss, Baltimore Sun, June 7, 2019
Misconduct reports raise stakes at Baltimore bishops’ meeting
Michael R. Heinlein, Our Sunday Visitor, June 7, 2019
Vatican cardinal, other priests to return cash gifts from ousted West Virginia bishop Michael Bransfield
Shawn Boburg, Robert O’Harrow Jr., Michelle Boorstein, Washington Post, June 7, 2019
Message from Archbishop Lori
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, June 7, 2019
Allegations of harassment, cash gifts: A West Virginia bishop’s fall from grace
Washington Post podcast, June 6, 2019
Archbishop William Lori Scrubs Mention of Financial Gifts in Report to Vatican on Bishop Michael Bransfield
SNAP, June 6, 2019
Parishioner concerned about long-term impact of Bransfield report
Jeff Jenkins, WV Metro News, June 6, 2019
Investigation into Bishop Bransfield finds harassment, gross misuse of funds
Peter Feuerherd, National Catholic Reporter, June 6, 2019
Archbishop Lori issues letter on Bishop Bransfield investigation
Christopher Gunty, Catholic News Service, June 6, 2019
West Virginia bishop spent church money on liquor, ‘luxury items’ and home renovations, church report says
Daniel Burke, CNN, June 5, 2019
In report to Vatican, Baltimore Archbishop Lori deleted mention of gifts from bishop he investigated
Jonathan M. Pitts, Baltimore Sun, June 5, 2019
Catholic Church investigation concludes Bransfield sexually harassed younger priests, misused church money
Jeff Jenkins, WV Metro News, June 5, 2019
A W.Va. bishop spent millions on himself and sent cash to cardinals and young priests before his ouster, confidential Vatican report says
Michelle Boorstein, Shawn Boburg and Robert O’Harrow Jr., Washington Post, June 5, 2019
Lori: Bishop’s Residence in Wheeling to Be Sold
Wheeling Intelligencer, June 5, 2019
Archbishop Lori: Bransfield Used Diocesan Funds for Personal Gain
Wheeling Intelligencer, June 5, 2019
For First Time, Diocesan Leaders Call Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Michael Bransfield ‘Credible’
Wheeling Intelligencer, June 5, 2019
Letter to the Priests and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Archbishop William Lori, June 5, 2019
W.Va. AG takes diocese to task for quiet updates, says press release should accompany changes to priest list
Jess Mancini, Parkersburg News-Sentinel, May 29, 2019
[See also: Wheeling Intelligencer]
Diocese Adds More Names to Priests List
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, May 26, 2019
WV AG Morrisey says his office made 3 criminal referrals for Catholic church investigation
Jake Jarvis, WV News, May 25, 2019
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey Adds More Claims to Diocese Suit
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, May 22, 2019
New evidence disclosed in lawsuit against diocese
Parkersburg News-Sentinel, May 22, 2019
W.Va. AG Morrisey Says Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Failed to Report Abuse or Conduct Background Checks
Wheeling Intelligencer, May 21, 2019
Amended sex abuse suit filed against W.Va. Catholic diocese
Associated Press, May 21, 2019
Morrisey files new claims against Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston; Diocese responds
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, May 21, 2019
Statement of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
May 21, 2019
Morrisey adds new allegations to sexual abuse lawsuit against diocese
Jake Zuckerman, Charleston Gazette-Mail, May 21, 2019
AG Morrisey: New evidence in Wheeling-Charleston Diocese lawsuit
WV News, May 21, 2019
First Amended Complaint
State of West Virginia vs. Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and Michael J. Bransfield, May 21, 2019
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Wants Former Bishop Michael Bransfield Case Dismissed
Joselyn King, Wheeling Intelligencer, May 11, 2019
Motion to Dismiss and Memorandum in Support of Motion to Dismiss
J.E. vs. USCCB, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Bishop Michael J. Bransfield, and John Does 1-20, May 9, 2019
‘I don’t care if you use my name:’ Survivors of abuse find strength in local group
Jeremiah Knupp, The Harrisburg Citizen, May 9, 2019
Diocese files motion to dismiss lawsuit filed by state Attorney General’s office
Chris Dickerson, West Virginia Record, May 1, 2019
Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Seeks To Dismiss Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s Lawsuit
Jess Mancini, Wheeling Intelligencer, April 26, 2019
Former seminarian alleges sex assault by former bishop of West Virginia
Colleen Rowan, The Catholic Spirit, April 9, 2019
Lori: Church has many reasons to get right response to child sex abuse
Christopher Gunty, National Catholic Reporter, April 9, 2019
Former Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Bransfield: “They’re All Out To Destroy Me”
Wheeling Intelligencer, March 28, 2019
‘They’re all out to destroy me,’ Philly native Bishop Michael Bransfield says of abuse lawsuit
by Jeremy Roebuck and William Bender, The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 27, 2019
Lawsuit: Former Bishop Michael Bransfield ‘Sexual Predator’ and ‘Binge Drinker’
Wheeling Intelligencer, March 26, 2019
One of Bransfield’s employees files lawsuit, claims former bishop sexually molested him
Chris Dickerson, West Virginia Record, March 26, 2019
Morrisey seek information on Catholic Church sexual abuse
Brett Dunlap, Parkersburg News-Sentinel, March 25, 2019
Diocese Outlines Efforts to Protect Children
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, March 23, 2019.
Morrisey calls for victims to step forward in wake of lawsuit against diocese
Megan Osborne, Huntington Herald-Dispatch/Charleston Gazette-Mail, March 23, 2019.
Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, March 22, 2019
Morrisey explains reasoning behind consumer protection suit against Wheeling-Charleston diocese
Alex Wiedelspiel, WAJR, March 22, 2019
State Lawsuit Against Catholic Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Background and Reactions
Glynis Board, West Virginia Public Radio, March 22, 2019
West Virginia Accuses Catholic Diocese Of Covering Up Clergy Abuse
Rachel Martin, NPR Morning Edition, March 20, 2019
West Virginia’s attorney general files suit against diocese and former bishop
Michael J. O’Loughlin, America Magazine, March 20, 2019
West Virginia’s attorney general files suit against diocese, bishop
National Catholic Reporter/Catholic News Service, March 20, 2019
Catholic Diocese in West Virginia Knowingly Employed Abusers
SNAP, March 19, 2019
WV AG sues Wheeling-Charleston Diocese, alleging knowing employment of abusers
Jake Zuckerman, Charleston Gazette-Mail, March 19, 2019
West Virginia Sues Bishop and Diocese, Saying They Knowingly Employed Pedophiles
Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, March 19, 2019
West Virginia attorney general sues Catholic bishop, saying he ‘knowingly employed pedophiles’
Daniel Burke, CNN, March 19, 2019
Authorities: Philly native and W.Va. bishop Michael Bransfield knowingly employed pedophiles
by Jeremy Roebuck, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 19, 2019
W.Va. Suit Accuses Diocese of Knowingly Employing Pedophiles
West Virginia Public Radio, March 19, 2019
W.Va. Attorney General Sues Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Christoper Lawrence, WV Metro News, March 19, 2019
West Virginia Accuses Catholic Diocese and Former Bishops of Sex Abuse Cover-Up in Unusual Consumer Protection Lawsuit
Michelle Boorstein, Sarah Pulliam Bailey, Tom Jackman, Washington Post, March 19, 2019
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Investigation Finds ‘No Criminal Activity’ by Former Bishop Michael Bransfield
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, March 12, 2019
In “Almost Heaven,” The Hammer Falls – With Rome’s Consent, WV Probe Ends With Bishop’s Suspension
Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia, March 11, 2019
Tim Bishop Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Director of Marketing and Communications
Steve Novotney, The Watchdog Network, March 11, 2019
SNAP Responds to the Conclusion of the Investigation into Wrongdoing by Former WV Bishop
SNAP, March 11, 2019
Results of former WV bishop investigation sent to Vatican
Rebecca Carballo, Charleston Gazette-Mail, March 11, 2019
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston: Bransfield can no longer exercise ministry here
Jake Flatley, WV Metro News, March 11, 2019
Philly native and former W. Va. Bishop Michael Bransfield barred from serving in two dioceses
William Bender and Julia Terruso, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, 2019
Archbishop William Lori’s Investigation into Former Wheeling-Charleston Diocese Bishop Michael Bransfield Complete; Matter Forwarded to Vatican
Wheeling Intelligencer, March 11, 2019
Archbishop Lori’s Homily: Priests’ Convocation; Diocese of Wheeling–Charleston
Archbishop William Lori, Feb. 28, 2019
Catholics pray for abuse survivors, more lay involvement in church
Colleen Rowan, Catholic Philly/Catholic Spirit, Feb. 7, 2019
Bishop Bransfield’s name comes off two buildings in Wheeling
Jaime Baker, WTOV9, Feb. 7, 2019
Former Bishop Michael Bransfield’s Name Removed From Wheeling Central Catholic High School Gym
Heather Ziegler, Wheeling Intelligencer, Feb. 6, 2019
Jesuits Release List of Accused Priests, Including Three Who Served in Wheeling
Wheeling Intelligencer, Dec. 18, 2018
Jesuit provinces release names of accused priests; three former local priests named
Sam Coniglio, WTRF, Dec. 17, 2018
Faithful Urged To Remain Vigilant
Heather Ziegler and Alex Meyer, Wheeling Intelligencer, Dec. 2, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston: Former Bishop Michael Bransfield Didn’t Belong on List
Jess Mancini, Wheeling Intelligencer, Dec. 1, 2018
SNAP Responds: The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Releases Names of Accused Priests
SNAP, Nov. 29, 2018
Interview with Bryan Minor and Tim Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
WKKX – The Watchdog, Nov. 29, 2018
W.Va. diocese releases names of clergy accused of sexual abuse
Brad McElhinny, WV Metro News, Nov. 29, 2018
Wheeling-Charleston Diocese Releases List of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse Since 1950
Wheeling Intelligencer, Nov. 29, 2018
Diocese Releases Names of Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse
AP & John Raby, WV Public Radio, Nov. 29, 2018
Priests ‘credibly’ accused of sexual abuse in WV named
Rebecca Carballo, Charleston Gazette-Mail, Nov. 29, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston releases list of priests credibly accused of abuse against minors
Annie Moore, WWVA, Nov. 29, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston releases names of 31 accused priests
Sam Coniglio, WTRF, Nov. 29, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Releases List of Priests Credibly Accused of Abuse Against Minors
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Nov. 29, 2018
Newspapers examine U.S. bishops’ responses to abuse allegations
Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service, Nov. 5, 2018
Catholic bishops promised reform in sex-abuse scandal. But they didn’t look at their own misdeeds
Jenn Abelson, Thomas Farragher of the Globe Staff, Jeremy Roebuck, Julia Terruso and William Bender, The Boston Globe, Nov. 3, 2018
Failure at the top: America’s Catholic bishops vowed to remove abusive priests in 2002. In the years that followed, they failed to police themselves.
Jenn Abelson, Thomas Farragher of the Globe Staff, Jeremy Roebuck, Julia Terruso and William Bender, Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 3, 2018
Recent diocesan appointments by Archbishop Lori
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Oct. 26, 2018
Bryan Minor interviewed by Talkline News about forthcoming DWC list
Hoppy Kercheval, Talkline, Oct. 25, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston Plans To Identify Priests Accused of Abuse
Matt Saxton, Wheeling Intelligencer, Oct, 25, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston set to release list of officials accused of sexual abuse
Rebecca Carballo, Charleston Gazette-Mail, Oct. 24, 2018
Wheeling-Charleston diocese to release names of sexual abuse suspects
Brad McElhinny, WV Metro News, Oct. 24, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to Release Names of All Priests That Have Been Credibly Accused of Abuse of Children of Which it is Aware Since 1950
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Oct. 24, 2018
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to release names of credibly accused priests
WTOV, Oct. 24, 2018
An Update on the Investigation into Bishop Bransfield
Brendan Lyman, Medium, Oct. 21, 2018
Archbishop Lori: Catholics living out their God-given vocations will help church heal
Colleen Rowan, Archdiocese of Baltimore/Catholic News Service, Oct. 15, 2018
Archbishop Lori’s Homily: 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time; Charleston, WV
Archbishop William Lori, Oct. 6, 2018
Archbishop Lori’s Homily: Professional Development Day; Ministry of Catholic Education, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Archbishop William Lori, Oct. 5, 2018
New delegate of administrative affairs named for West Virginia diocese
Colleen Rowan, The Dialog/Catholic News Service, Oct. 1, 2018
Lay-led investigation begins into claims bishop sexually harassed adults
Colleen Rowan, National Catholic Reporter/Catholic News Agency, Sept. 28, 2018
Archbishop Lori: Investigation Begun in W Va. Into Allegations Against Bishop Bransfield
Colleen Rowan, National Catholic Register/Catholic News Agency, Sept. 27, 2018
West Virginia, Steubenville dioceses take steps on sexual misconduct
Peter Smith, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sept. 26, 2018
Archbishop Lori assures diocese he’s with them in journey toward healing
Colleen Rowan, National Catholic Reporter/Catholic News Service, Sept. 18, 2018
Archbishop Lori’s Homily: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Archbishop William Lori, ArchBalt.org, Sept. 17, 2018
Baltimore Archbishop Lori aims to bring ‘truth and justice’ to West Virginia Catholics rocked by scandal
Jonathan M. Pitts, The Baltimore Sun, Sept. 15, 2018
Attorney General Wants Review of Bransfield Sexual Harassment Allegations
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 15, 2018
Resignations, Rome meetings and investigations: A week of major developments in the sexual abuse crisis
Michael J. O’Loughlin, America Magazine, Sept. 14, 2018
Fall of a West Virginia Bishop Widens the Catholic Crisis Over Sex Abuse
Laurie Goodstein, New York Times, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope Francis calls for investigation into Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Jaime Baker, Kristen Tuell, WTOV9.com, Sept. 13, 2018
Catholic bishop in West Virginia resigns amid sexual harassment investigation
Jason Hanna, CNN, Sept. 13, 2018
West Virginia bishop resigns over sexual harassment allegations
Tara Isabella Burton, Vox.com, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope OKs investigation into harassment allegations against WV bishop
Charleston Gazette-Mail, Sept. 13, 2018
Bishop Bransfield Resigns, Being Investigated
Linda Comins, Wheeling Intelligencer, Sept. 13, 2018
Bishop Bransfield resigns; investigation into sexual harassment claims begins
Jeff Jenkins, WV MetroNews, Sept. 13, 2018
Bishop Bransfield retires; pope orders investigation of allegations
Catholic Philly/Catholic News Service, Sept. 13, 2018
In Mountain State, A Fresh Scandal – Pope Bumps WV Prelate Over Harassment Claims
Rocco Palmo, Whispers in the Loggia, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope Francis orders investigation of W.Va. bishop on sexual harassment charges
Julie Zauzmer, Washington Post, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope OKs probe into West Virginia bishop as he meets with US delegation
Nicole Winfield, Religion News Service, Sept. 13, 2018
Bishop Michael Bransfield resigns; sexual harassment investigation launched
WDTV.com, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope sends Baltimore archbishop Lori to investigate sexual harassment allegations against West Virginia bishop
Yvonne Wenger, The Baltimore Sun, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope Francis Appoints Archbishop William Lori Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, Sept. 13, 2018
AMENDED RELEASE: Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield; Archbishop Lori Instructed to Conduct Investigation into Allegations of Sexual Harassment
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sept. 13, 2018
Pope Francis Accepts Resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Sept. 13, 2018
Bransfield’s listing on Catholic-Hierarchy.org
Bransfield assignment record via BishopAccountability.org
Bransfield’s listing on “accused bishops” page at BishopAccountability.org
Philadelphia Grand Jury Report
2004 abuse statistics released by Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston