Former Erie Diocese Bishop Trautman Withdraws Appeal to Block Grand Jury Report on Clergy Sex Abuse

WENY-TV
August 4, 2018

http://www.weny.com/story/38808300/former-erie-diocese-bishop-trautman-withdraws-appeal-to-block-grand-jury-report-on-clergy-sex-abuse

Bishop Emeritus Donald Trautman

Former Erie Catholic Diocese Bishop Emeritus Donald Trautman has withdrawn his appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to block the grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse, according to a statement Friday.

Trautman initially filed the appeal because the grand jury report did not give a fair, accurate portrayal of his conduct and actions as bishop of the diocese for 22 years, the statement said.

He said the appeal was withdrawn over concerns that his appeal may prevent a large portion of the report on the Diocese from becoming public.

As part of Trautman's withdraw, the Attorney General's office agreed to some stipulations to dismiss the appeal. Those stipulations include Trautman's disagreements and clarifications regarding the report be made public when the report is released.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro also issued a statement Friday afternoon on Trautman's decision:

"Bishop Donald Trautman withdrew his appeal, paving the way for the voices of victims from the Erie Diocese to be heard and not subject to redaction. This was the right decision and should serve as a model for others who continue to fight the release of the report.”

Erie Catholic Diocese Bishop Lawrence Persico also responded:

"I was pleased to hear that Bishop Emeritus Donald Trautman withdrew his appeal to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and has now aligned himself with the position of the Diocese of Erie. His action will provide a clear voice for the victims, and allow the people of the diocese to have a greater understanding of our history."