Documents: Former Bridgeport, Conn., bishop once marveled how few priests accused of abuse

Documents: Conn. bishop downplayed abuse claims

HARTFORD, Conn. — Newly released documents in lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., show that then-Bishop Edward Egan was combative with lawyers for victims of alleged abuse by priests — and thought it “marvelous” so few priests had been accused of abuse.

The documents, including a 1999 deposition of Egan, were made public Tuesday by a court, which unsealed documents in lawsuits filed by 26 people against six priests. The lawsuits were settled in 2001. Five of the priests were banned from ministry and one died.

The Bridgeport Diocese reached a $21 million settlement with 40 other people who claimed abuse by 16 diocese priests.

Egan, who went on to be New York cardinal, is retired. Church officials say he “aggressively investigated” abuse allegations.