Bishop Michael J. Bransfield

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Died: 5/7/2026
Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA

Named Wheeling-Charleston bishop 2005. Accused in 4/2012 testimony in the trial of Lynn/Brennan in PA of the sexual abuse of boys. Bransfield denied the allegations. Resigned 9/13/2018 after the Pope ordered an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of adults and financial misdoings. Ministry restricted in 3/2019. A lawsuit was filed by Bransfield’s former personal personal secretary and altar server, who claimed that Bransfield sexually harassed him for years and sexually assaulted him in 2014. Further, he alleged that Bransfield also sexually abused other and adult males and adolescents, and the Diocese was aware in 2007 but took no action. The suit settled 8/2019. In 6/2019 the Diocese said that Bransfield sexually harassed young priests and misused funds. Bransfield gave large sums of money to cardinals, bishops and priests over the years. In 7/2018 the Pope said that Bransfield must make amends, was not to  live in the diocese or celebrate liturgy publicly. A suit was filed in 9/2019 by a recent seminarian. Allegation 10/2019 of inappropriate touch in 2012 of a 9-year-old girl. Bransfield denied the allegation. He died 5/7/2026.

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