Dupre accusers come forward

National Catholic Reporter, March 12, 2004 by Dennis Coday

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Two men who alleged that they were abused by retired Springfield Bishop Thomas L. Dupre have indirectly told their stories to the public through their attorney, and talked to a prosecutor in late February. By Feb. 26, a preliminary church investigation of the charges against the bishop was also under way.

According to church guidelines, allegations of abuse against a bishop is sent to the head of the ecclesiastical province, in this case, Boston Archbishop Sean P O'Malley. However, the actual investigation is conducted by the Vatican.

Mark E. Dupont, spokesman for the Springfieid diocese, said that at least one of the alleged victims had met with Boston archdiocesan victim advocate Barbara Thorpe by Feb. 27.

According to diocesan guidelines, information that the church investigators receive from victims will be given to Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett, who has launched an investigation into the accusations against the bishop.