ROCHESTER (NY)
Democrat and Chronicle
February 10, 2020
By Steve Orr
https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2020/02/10/bishop-matthew-clark-not-able-to-testify-priest-abuse-in-rochester-ny-doctor-and-lawyer-say/4712280002/
Bishop Emeritus Matthew Clark’s Alzheimer’s disease has left him unable to provide useful sworn testimony about the history of child sexual abuse in the Rochester diocese, his physician and lawyer say.
Lawyers for abuse victims had filed a motion in the diocese’s bankruptcy case asking that Clark be directed to answer questions under oath about abuse by priests and other church ministers during his 33 years as the diocese’s leader.
The lawyers for accusers believe Clark knows a great deal about abuse and about actions taken by diocesan leaders to shield accused ministers from public scrutiny. They have said they’re aware of Clark’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis but believe they should be able to question him and make their own determination about his abilities.
“I think those abused under his tenure should have the right to test his competency in a deposition,” said Leander James, an Idaho lawyer who represents a number of people who say they were sexually abused by Catholic ministers in the Rochester diocese.
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