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The Church's Secret Archives

The lawsuits launched by Tremont & Sheldon for young, Catholic children who were victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic priests have gained national attention. Although it has been several years since the cases were brought to court, the Diocese of Bridgeport has fought tooth and nail to hide from us and the public the numerous complaints by parishioners of priests molesting their children. By trying to hide the facts, the Diocese and its insurance company have been caught in a web of misstatements and contradictions.

In one of the most startling developments in the case, T. Paul Tremont through grueling cross-examination forced a Monsignor to admit that there are "secret archives" to which only Bishop Edward Egan (now Cardinal Egan in New York, NY) has the key, that contain records of sexual assaults by priests upon children in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Newspapers throughout the country reported the existence of the secret files that are hidden from the public and law enforcement authorities. As a result of the 20 cases we started, other victims have come forward with sexual abuse charges against another half dozen priests who were connected with the Diocese of Bridgeport.

In Washington, D.C., the National Catholic Council has asked that bishops compensate victims of priestly sexual assaults. Yet in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the reaction of the Diocese was to publicly strip the priest of his authority as a priest, but secretly pay the cost for his lawyers and refuse to divulge his whereabouts. In addition, pressure has been put on the newspapers, the radio, and television to suppress any news stories of these Catholic children who were raped, sodomized, and assaulted by priests.

Despite the power and force of the Diocese, Tremont & Sheldon will continue to fight for the rights of these innocent victims who continue to suffer from this tragic abuse.

If you believe that you have been injured in any manner, you must act swiftly to protect your rights. Please click here if you would like us to review your situation.

Summary & History of Cases Filing a Claim The Church's Secret Archives The Priests