Stratford Pastor Upset about Report of Sex Assault Accusations, but Admits, Denies Nothing

The Republic
January 26, 2014

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/28874c69a824413eafca78a53aa9448d/CT--Priest-Past-Allegations

STRATFORD, Connecticut — A monsignor has told parishioners he was upset with a news report about accusations of sexual assault and harassment, but did not admit or deny the information.

The Connecticut Post reports (http://bit.ly/L97RIx ) that Monsignor Martin Ryan said at Sunday masses at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Stratford that there is "no question" he will continue as pastor.

Bridgeport Roman Catholic Bishop Frank Caggiano apologized last week to members of the parish for not speaking earlier about the allegations.

Diocesan officials removed Ryan as pastor of St. Edward the Confessor Church in New Fairfield in 2011 after they say he acknowledged sending inappropriate emails to a female parish employee.

In 2003, the diocese settled a lawsuit accusing Ryan of molesting a teenage girl in the early 1970s at a Trumbull church. Ryan denied the allegations.

Contact: http://www.connpost.com