Malooly seen as forceful advocate for victims Area Catholics hopeful

[Ian David]

Black Collar DoGoodery

Malooly seen as forceful advocate for victims
Area Catholics hopeful new bishop will carry on work he did in Md.

As an auxiliary bishop in 2002, the Rev. W. Francis Malooly helped steer the Archdiocese of Baltimore to a groundbreaking decision. It was a decision the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington would need another four years -- and a priest's arrest -- to make: Publish the names of priests accused of sexual abuse.
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Monday, during a press conference at which Malooly was named Wilmington Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli's successor, he said he'll continue to help Delaware victims who are part of a diocese still plagued with allegations and lawsuits.

"With the abuse crises, we've had many who have been hurt by things that have happened within the church, in our schools, in our parishes and we continue to try and respond," he said. "I've been involved with that for 25 years now -- not happily."

Representatives of two victim-advocacy groups in Delaware said they don't know much about the incoming bishop, but they hope Malooly will reach out to victims, much as he did in 2002 when he apologized to Baltimore-area victims in a series of "listening sessions" meant to ease the healing process.


More:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080708/NEWS01/807080332