Diocese of Erie Bishop Meets with Shapiro over Grand Jury Report
By Matthew Stevens
Diocese of Erie Bishop Most Rev. Lawrence Persico said he met with state Attorney General Josh Shapiro Wednesday to discuss the grand jury report into child sex abuse accusations within the diocese. Persico said that he has decided not to seek any legal challenges to the grand jury process and its work. "I realize that the grand jury report will contain information that will be difficult for all of us to hear, but in order for us to focus on the future, we have to have a solid knowledge of the past," said Persico. "The grand jury investigation and its report will provide a voice for the victims. We must listen to that voice and learn from it as we move forward." Persico said as part of remaining transparent he and Shapiro also reviewed the diocese' revised Policy for the Protection of Children guidelines and called the meeting very productive. Last week, Shapiro charged former Diocese of Erie priest Father David Poulson in connection of the sexual assault of two boys while he was working at the diocese. Last month, the diocese released names of dozens of former priest and lay members who have been credibly accused or found to have abused victims. Shapiro said anyone who has any information regarding sexual abuse by priests to call the Office of Attorney General's Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-888-538-8541
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