Buffalo Diocese, Community Group Announce Listening Sessions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bishop Richard Malone says he'll hold a series of listening sessions to hear from Roman Catholics about the clergy sex abuse crisis.

The diocese said Monday the sessions could begin next month and are part of a series of initiatives being undertaken with a community group that was formed to restore trust in the church. The diocese and group, the Movement to Restore Trust, also will review the way the names of accused clergy are made public.

Malone has apologized for his handling of some abuse allegations against priests but has resisted calls by some in the community for his resignation.

The Buffalo diocese says it has received allegations of child sexual abuse against more than 130 diocesan priests and more than 40 religious order priests.