Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many words have been said regarding the crime of sexual abuse of minors and the scandals that these crimes have produced, words that are needed to express our grief, anger, and confusion. However, words alone are insufficient. The time for further action has come.

I have commissioned the creation of this website and will ensure that it is continuously updated to demonstrate that the Diocese of Bridgeport is transparent and fully accountable in its policies, programs, and response to the sexual abuse of minors. This newly designed website brings together and updates information concerning diocesan Safe Environments efforts, its outreach to victims of clerical sexual abuse, and its comprehensive policies and practices to prevent future abuse and intervene immediately when allegations are brought forward.

The Diocese of Bridgeport can never fully make right the suffering of victims and the sins of the past, but we are committed to bringing healing and reconciliation to all those affected by the crisis and to rebuild trust through many of the spiritual and administrative measures described in these pages.
Permit me at this point to express my deep gratitude to all of you who have written or called the Catholic Center during the national crisis triggered by the news reports of the failure of the Church hierarchy to truthfully and effectively deal with sexual abuse and other issues. You have articulated your anger, concern, and demand for change, while also affirming your deep love for the Church, for the priests who serve you, and for the gift of the Eucharist in our lives and parish communities.
I ask you not to lose heart and to join me in showing support for the dedicated priests and lay faithful who serve throughout our diocese. With your virtuous witness and continued prayers, we can work together to strengthen our protection of our children, work towards healing, and promote a culture of accountability and transparency within the Church.

May the great Mother of God, our protector and intercessor, accompany us as we move forward to purify and renew our Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano

Reporting Sexual Misconduct by a US Bishop
(800) 276-1562 • https://reportbishopabuse.org

Our track record at the Diocese of Bridgeport

As we continue to confront the national crisis and address local challenges, it's important to recognize the strong safeguards now in place. For over 15 years, the Diocese of Bridgeport's Safe Environments programs have helped prevent abuse, promote early reporting, and ensure swift action through the Diocesan Review Board. Additionally, the Ministerial Advisory Committee, primarily composed of lay members, reviews allegations of adult misconduct by clergy. The Diocese remains deeply committed to supporting victims of abuse. An active Victims/Survivors group provides friendship, prayer, and peer support, advises the bishop, and organizes the annual Mass of Hope, Healing, and Reconciliation. Victims are invited to join the group or reach out to Erin Neil, L.C.S.W., director of Safe Environments and victim assistance coordinator, at (203) 650.3265 or eneil@diobpt.org.

In 2018, Bishop Caggiano commissioned a Financial Accountability Report detailing past settlement amounts and funding sources. He also released the names of clergy for whom settlements were paid, though not all were deemed credible. That same year, Judge Robert L. Holzberg was appointed to lead an independent Clerical Sexual Abuse Accountability Investigation. With full access to diocesan records dating back to 1953, Judge Holzberg’s team conducted a thorough review, culminating in an October 2019 public report. The report details clergy abuse, the Diocese’s response, and includes recommendations the Bishop has committed to implement.

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