On September 13th, it was announced that then-Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston would resign his post after allegations of sexual harassment had been made against him. Pope Francis has asked Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori to serve as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese and to conduct an investigation into the claims made against former-Bishop Bransfield.

While the investigation by Archbishop Lori is welcomed, it is not far enough.

We call on the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston to engage and cooperate with the Attorney General of West Virginia's Office or another independent outside counsel to conduct a thorough investigation and review of Bishop Bransfield's and the Diocese's conduct.

- As a part of this investigation, questions about possible criminal misconduct committed by Bishop Bransfield or any other member of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston should be answered.

- The scope of the investigation should not be limited only to allegations of sexual harassment against Bishop Bransfield, but should include any issue that arises during the investigation including but not limited to issues of malfeasance, conspiracy to hide allegations from the public, possible financial fraud, or other violations of the public's trust.

- The independent investigator should make public and available a report summarizing its findings upon completion of the investigation within a reasonable time period, but consistent in a way that will not deter any possible criminal or civil proceedings against the Diocese or former Bishop Bransfield.

Those who are in positions of authority must be held accountable for their actions, especially when those actions inflict emotional, physical, or spiritual pain. Additionally, the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston owes its members, past and present, transparency at this time.

Finally, we owe a great amount of respect to the survivors of the allegations made against former Bishop Bransfield. Their courage is remarkable and should be reflected upon throughout this process. We owe them not only our prayers, but our understanding. Bishop Bransfield allegedly intentionally took advantage of his position and inflicted pain, including spiritual pain, on the survivors. The pain his alleged actions inflicted go beyond the people who suffered directly from his harassment, but impact every friend and family member of those survivors. Further, his alleged actions have caused pain to all Catholics in West Virginia and beyond. An investigation will not reverse the impact of his alleged actions, but it will provide accountability to power and should help prevent future abuses.

A hotline has been established for those wishing to share any information related to this investigation: 1-833-272-4225.