BISHOP ED'S STATEMENT ON BISHOP HUBBARD

Urges prayers for all victims of abuse as well as prayers for the faithful in the Diocese

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, left, speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Pastoral Center in Albany, N.Y. The Albany Catholic Diocese filed for Chapter 11. Cindy Schultz for The Evangelist (Courtesy photo of Cindy Schultz)

"Be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble." 1 Peter 3:8

August 1, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You may or may not have yet heard that Bishop Howard Hubbard has confirmed he was recently married in a civil ceremony (his statement is attached). This certainly is unexpected news and like many of you, I am just now beginning to process it. While he is not permitted to represent himself as a priest or perform the sacraments in public, Bishop Hubbard remains a retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church does not acknowledge his marriage as valid. He remains a retired Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church and therefore cannot enter into marriage.

I urge you to pray for all survivors of sexual abuse and their families. Pray for all of the faithful in the diocese. Pray for our priests, deacons, the men, and women religious, many of whom depended on Bishop Hubbard for their vocations. Also pray for Bishop Hubbard and all in his close circle, that they can help to guide him to act in accordance with God's will.

This is a challenging time for many, but we are not alone. Let us remember that through the turmoil, the one constant for all of us is the comforting presence of Jesus, who shepherds us with the promise of everlasting life. Let us journey together, as a people of faith, believing that with God, in God and through God, healing is possible.

Yours in Him,

Bishop Ed