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
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
RSS Feed
