Gregory defends diocese

The head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Tuesday defended his diocese’s refusal to release the mental health records of a retired priest accused of sexual abuse, saying priests’ rights have to be balanced with those of alleged victims.

“Priests have been saying their privacy rights have been trashed,” said Bishop Wilton Gregory, whose Belleville Diocese was held in contempt of court by a judge for refusing an order to release the records.

The diocese is appealing the Feb. 27 court order, arguing the records should remain confidential because they date back to when such records were protected by Illinois privacy laws. The diocese has already released hundreds of documents about the priest to the court, but wants a higher court to rule on the matter before releasing any more, Gregory said. Lawyers in the case expect a decision later this year.

Plaintiff’s lawyer Michael Weilmuenster said the diocese is being hypocritical.