16 Aug Who is Bishop Emeritus James Timlin?

James Timlin served as Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton from 1984 to 2003.  In the twelves months before he retired, ten priests were removed from the parishes due to abuse allegations and the diocese faced federal lawsuits.

Tuesday’s grand jury report revealed that Timlin covered up the rape and abortion of a minor child. In 2003, the bishop declined an invitation to attend the commencement ceremonies of the University of Scranton. Reason? He publicly criticized the Jesuit school for inviting television host Chris Matthews to speak at the event. He described Matthews as an abortion-rights advocate and refused to share the stage with him.