Bishop Christopher J. Weldon

Ordained: 1929
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

NY priest. Bishop of Springfield 1950-77. Accused of knowing of many abusers in diocese. Died in 1982. Accused in a 2005 lawsuit of abuse of a boy, ages 11-16. Accuser claimed he was abused by his uncle (Msgr. Page), several other priests, Weldon and another bishop. Accuser was in a TX prison for an unrelated murder when suit filed. Diocese said not credible. In 9/18 the Diocesan Review Board deemed credible an allegation that Weldon raped a 9- or 10-year-old boy in the early 1960s. The alleged victim said he was also abused by Revs. Edward Authier and Clarence Forand, also deemed credible. Victim sued in 1/21. Weldon is said to have interfered as bishop in investigation into the murder of an altar boy in 1972 by Rev. Richard R. Lavigne. In 6/20 independent investigator Peter Velis released a report, stating that he found abuse allegations against Weldon “unequivocally credible.” Added to diocese’s list of accused 6/2/21.

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