What New Catholic Bishop Means for West Virginia Attorney General's Lawsuit

By Phyllis Smith
WTAP TV
July 25, 2019

https://www.wtap.com/content/news/What-new-Catholic-bishop-means-for-West-Virginia-Attorney-Generals-lawsuit-513226071.html

Now that a new bishop is named in West Virginia, WTAP talks to West Virginia's Attorney General about what this means for the lawsuit he's filed against the church.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says he would like to talk with Mark Brennan and will be reaching out to his attorney. Reverend Brennan took over this week for former bishop Michael Bransfield.

Attorney General Morrisey says he hopes he will be more transparent than his predecessor. He wants him to comply with the subpoena and release the Bransfield report.

He says this is a consumer protection case because the church advertised its schools and camps as safe places for children. Morrisey's suit alleges the church knowingly hired pedophiles.

"This is not a pleasant case. I'm a practicing Catholic and so, it's not been fun to be involved in it, but I believe I have a duty under the law and I recognize, imagine if we don't do this. Well, the list of 40 credibly accused priests may never see the light of day," said Morrisey.

He says they will be most likely be in Wood County court in September.

He says the lawsuit was filed in Wood County because a number of incidents were reported there.