Sex abuse scandal has cost Altoona-Johnstown diocese $21.5 million, bishop says
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has made what could be considered its most in-depth public statement concerning clerical child sexual abuse within its organization since the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General issued a grand jury report in 2016 outlining an alleged systemic effort to protect predator priests within its ranks.
A Dec. 10 edition of The Catholic Register, the diocese’s official publication, included multiple stories about the subject, a “special message” from Bishop Mark Bartchak and a chart showing that the expense of the scandal cost the diocese $21,491,052 from July 1, 1999, until Dec. 1, 2018.
The attorney general’s report provided information about how the diocese – then under the guidance of bishops Joseph Adamec and James Hogan – allegedly protected at least 50 religious leaders accused of abuse.
The diocese has often declined to comment on subjects concerning clerical abuse, citing a policy of not discussing matters that could deal with ongoing litigation.
Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/12/11/priest-sex-Abuse-scandal-Altoona-Johnstown-diocese-21-5-million-catholic-church-cost/stories/201812110075