He refutes 'despicable' allegations

At a Feb. 5 press conference, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard vehemently denied an allegation that he had had sexual relations more than 25 years ago with a man named Thomas Zalay, who committed suicide in 1978.

"I stand before you today with a clear conscience," the Bishop said. "There is absolutely no truth to the allegations that have been levelled against me. I have never sexually abused anyone of any age. I have honored my vow of celibacy."

His declaration drew a standing ovation from scores of clergy and diocesan employees who attended the press conference at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Albany.

The Bishop's statement followed a California man's claim on Feb. 4 that his brother, Thomas Zalay, had left behind a letter detailing an affair with the Bishop. However, the document is undated, unsigned and typed.

At the press conference, Bishop Hubbard said, "I do not know Thomas Zalay. I have never had any relationship with Thomas Zalay." He added: "I have had no sexual relationships with anyone."

A second allegation was made against the Bishop the day after the press conference -- this one from a Schenectady man who claimed the Bishop solicited him when the man was a teenage prostitute.

In response, the Bishop reiterated his press conference statement: "I have never sexually abused anyone of any age. I have honored my vow of celibacy."

When the allegation was made, Bishop Hubbard was vacationing in Florida. In his absence, the Diocese immediately released a statement labelling the claim "outrageous, despicable and defamatory."

The Diocese also referred the matter to the Albany County District Attorney so that an independent investigation could be conducted.

Should the DA decide not to proceed, perhaps because the first case does not involve a crime and the second is beyond the statute of limitations, the Bishop has vowed to seek another independent investigation to determine the truth or falsity of the allegations.

Cooperation vowed

Bishop Hubbard, who returned to the Diocese to hold the press conference, said he would cooperate fully with the investigation, and was "willing and eager to take a polygraph test so that there is no question in anyone's mind about the falsity of this allegation."

Bishop Hubbard told the press that "I have never been afraid to apologize for mistakes that I and others may have made in handling the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by priests. But today I have nothing to apologize for. The allegations are completely, utterly false."

The Bishop also rejected the idea that he would resign, saying, "It would be wrong to dignify an absolutely false charge by walking away from my responsibilities."

Asked by the media about his emotions since learning of the allegation, the Bishop said, "My initial reaction was incredulity. Then I was quite angry that such an incredible charge had been made. I am concerned that some people would believe it. That's why it's important to have an investigation and clear my name. I will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this."

(2/12/04) [[In-content Ad]]