Accused Fresno Priest Sues Roman Catholic Faithful

You are not signed in as a Premium user; you are viewing the free version of this program. Premium users have access to full-length programs with limited commercials and receive a 10% discount in the store! Sign up for only one day for the low cost of $1.99. Click the button below.

See All Plans

FRESNO, Calif. (ChurchMilitant.com) - A California priest facing multiple allegations of homosexual abuse is suing a decades-old Catholic watchdog group Roman Catholic Faithful (RCF).

On Friday, RCF and its president, Stephen Brady, were served with a lawsuit from Msgr. Craig Harrison, a priest of the troubled diocese of Fresno, California.

A statement by RCF acknowledges that Harrison is seeking "unlimited" damages for Brady's "appearance at a press conference in Bakersfield" that addressed "allegations of sexual misconduct" made against Harrison.

During the May conference, adds the statement, Brady "also discussed RCF's 2004 investigation of then-Fr. Harrison that he conducted with retired FBI agent Tom Walsh."

The lawsuit and summons were filed on Aug. 7, two weeks after the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) concluded what critics are calling a sham investigation that exonerated Harrison. Brady, who's been investigating clerical corruption since the 1990s, told Church Militant that the lawsuit may be related to other ongoing RCF investigations.

"My first thought was the hierarchy must be behind this and I'm getting a little too close to too much information," remarked Brady.

A 114-page investigative report obtained by Church Militant from BPD shows its investigation of Harrison, who has served as BPD's chaplain, ignored 42 witnesses. Randy Petris, who headed the investigation, interviewed some 14 witnesses only.

Brady told Church Militant that dozens of witnesses have information pertaining to Harrison's case and need to be interviewed.

"There are almost 50 witnesses against Fr. Harrison with information on some 10 allegations against him," said Brady. "I'm looking forward to the discovery process if it goes that far."

In addition to these witnesses, Brady said there is also his 2004 investigation of Harrison that involved teaming up with former FBI agent Walsh.

"I believe this is nothing more than costly intimidation," observed Brady. "God willing, this will work out for the best."

Harrison was put on paid administrative leave on April 25 owing to an accusation that he had sexually assaulted an altar boy. The diocese announced it would also re-examine a previous claim of abuse against Harrison made years earlier that had been dismissed as non-credible.

After Harrison was put on leave, numerous men brought forth claims that he had sexually assaulted them. In June, Harrison was one of 43 priests from the Fresno diocese named in a lawsuit by the Jeff Anderson & Associates law firm that specializes in clerical sex abuse cases.

Brady told Church Militant he won't be silenced when speaking out against corruption in the Church. He also noted he has limited resources to fight a lengthy court battle.

"I'm going to work on getting this lawsuit thrown out as soon as possible based on the SLAPP law in California," he said.

The RCF reveals that it operates "solely on the generosity of faithful Catholics" and sums up the financial burden that will come with fighting Harrison's lawsuit: "This litigation has the potential to run into the tens of thousands of dollars — just to respond to what we maintain are unjust accusations of defamation — simply for requesting additional information from possible victims," it said.

The group credited with unseating the infamous Bp. Daniel Ryan from Springfield, Illinois, is asking for financial help to fight Harrison's lawsuit.

"No one draws a salary, and every dollar we collect goes directly to fighting on behalf of faithful Catholics everywhere," says RCF. "Please donate today. Every donation, large or small, counts and is greatly appreciated! God bless you for your support!"

Have a news tip? Submit news to our tip line.

We rely on you to support our news reporting. Please donate today.