Mike Minder
Follow Mike Minder on:
  • Home
  • Mike Minder
  • Wheeling's Gambling History to 1976
    • Ohio Valley History Blog

Former Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Bransfield Issues Apology Amid Scandal (August 15, 2021)

8/14/2024

0 Comments

 
​Today in Wheeling History: August 15--Michael J. Bransfield, former Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, issued an apology for causing scandal and confusion through his actions, which included sexual harassment and financial misconduct (2021).
 
Michael Joseph Bransfield was born on September 8, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Catholic schools in Philadelphia and earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Divinity degree from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Bransfield was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal John Krol on May 15, 1971. He later received a Master of Philosophy degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Before becoming a bishop, Bransfield served as a teacher and chaplain at Lansdale Catholic High School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and held various positions at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., including director of finance and rector.
 
On December 9, 2004, Pope John Paul II appointed Bransfield as the bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which encompasses the entire state of West Virginia. He was consecrated on February 22, 2005, by Cardinal William Keeler, with then-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and Bishop Bernard Schmitt as co-consecrators, at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling, West Virginia. During his tenure, Bransfield was involved in various initiatives, including improving the financial standing of Wheeling Hospital. However, his time as bishop was marred by allegations of sexual harassment and financial improprieties.
 
In 2018, Bransfield retired, and a church investigation led by Archbishop William E. Lori and five lay experts examined multiple allegations against him. The investigation found credible accusations of sexual harassment and detailed Bransfield's diversion of diocesan funds to support a lavish lifestyle. In July 2019, Pope Francis banned Bransfield from residing in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and ordered him not to preside or participate in any public celebration of the Liturgy, effectively barring him from engaging in public ministry within the Catholic Church.
 
On August 15, 2021, Bransfield issued a statement apologizing for his actions, though his apology was criticized by his successor, Bishop Mark Brennan, as self-serving and lacking in genuine contrition. The scandal surrounding Bransfield's tenure as bishop had a significant impact on the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and the broader Catholic community. The church's handling of the allegations and the subsequent investigation highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency within the institution. Despite the controversy, Bransfield's contributions to the diocese and his earlier work at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception remain part of his complex legacy.
 
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/o0e8T) (https://shorturl.at/Y9N3e) (https://shorturl.at/Zs3KT) (https://shorturl.at/RQaoU) (http://alturl.com/rgzvq) (http://alturl.com/qtc8m) (http://alturl.com/2s4qm)
 
Photo credit: Catholic News Agency
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Mike Minder

    Mike Minder was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia. He is the author of Wheeling's Gambling History to 1976.

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012

    Categories

    All
    1908
    Anthony Zambito
    Anti-Gambling Bill
    Arch Riley
    Casino
    Earl Corkran
    Edward Weith
    Eric Halverson
    Erics Steak House258a865f0a
    Gambling
    Gambling Devices
    Gambling Raids
    Gambling Stamp
    Gambling Stamps
    Henry Schmulbach
    Horserace
    Horse Racing
    Mozart Park
    October 252749dd659a51
    Ohio County
    Schmulbach
    Today-in-wheeling-history
    Tony Zambito
    West Virginia
    Wheeling
    Wheelingaposs Gambling History0d9acbcb79
    Wheelingaposs Gambling History To 197650ca476ed4
    Wheeling Park
    Wheeling Police
    Wheeling Repository
    Wheelings Gambling History60ad5e7d33
    Zambito

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.