BUFFALO (NY)
Buffalo News
Sept. 9, 2019
By Jay Tokasz
Auxiliary Bishop Edward M. Grosz denies threatening to block the Rev. Ryszard S. Biernat’s ordination, after Biernat complained to diocese administrators in 2004 that he was sexually assaulted by a priest, a Buffalo Diocese spokeswoman said.
The Buffalo News on Sunday reported the accusation by Biernat, who also said that Grosz’s treatment of his complaint was “10 times worse” than the alleged sexual abuse.
Diocese spokesman Kathy Spangler provided a written response in an email late Sunday, after the story was published online and in print.
“Bishop Grosz categorically denies the statement that he threatened to block seminarian Ryszard’s ordination as reported,” Spangler said in the email.
The News had contacted Spangler on Friday seeking comment from Grosz.
The News on Monday asked for a sit-down interview with Grosz. Through Spangler, Grosz requested a list of questions in writing, which The News declined to provide.
Biernat, 38, alleged that the Rev. Arthur J. Smith sexually abused him in the rectory of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in 2003, when Biernat was a seminary student. Smith denied abusing Biernat.
Biernat said when he reported the abuse to diocese officials in 2004, Grosz blamed him.
“He says to me, ‘Well, it’s your fault. You didn’t lock the door,’ ” said Biernat.
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