Albany bishop denies claims he had homosexual relations in 1970s

Published: 2004-02-09

ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) -- The day after Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany denied an allegation that he had sexual relations with a man more than 25 years ago, a second man claimed two sexual encounters with the bishop in the 1970s. Bishop Hubbard denied that accusation as well and diocesan spokesman Father Kenneth J. Doyle said the bishop would fight both claims. Albany attorney John Aretakis, who has filed several unsuccessful lawsuits against the diocese or its priests, accompanied both men at the press conferences where they made their allegations. "I have never sexually abused anyone of any age. I have honored my vow of celibacy," Bishop Hubbard said at a Feb. 5 press conference following the first allegation. "I stand before you today with a clear conscience," the bishop said. "There is absolutely no truth to the allegations that have been leveled against me.

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