 |
| Bishop Howard Hubbard swings incense during an Ash Wednesday communion service, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Feb. 25, 2004, in Albany, N.Y. Hubbard, who retired in 2014, died Aug. 19 at age 84 |
Albany, New York, mourns the passing of retired Bishop Howard Hubbard, a prominent figure known for his advocacy of social justice causes. Bishop Hubbard, who led the Albany diocese from 1977 to 2014, died on August 19 at Albany Medical Center at the age of 84. The cause of his death was a massive stroke, according to Mark Behan, a spokesperson for the bishop.
Bishop Hubbard's tenure was marked by his dedication to social justice initiatives, championing causes that aligned with his belief in serving the marginalized and less fortunate. Despite his laudable efforts, his legacy became intertwined with controversy as the Catholic Church grappled with sexual abuse scandals.
Throughout his leadership, Bishop Hubbard faced accusations of covering up allegations of sexual abuse within his diocese. In a deposition given in 2021, he acknowledged that he and the diocese had concealed claims of sexual abuse against children by priests, aiming to prevent scandal. He consistently denied allegations of personal misconduct involving minors but admitted to the institution's role in shielding such allegations from public scrutiny.
In a surprising turn of events, Bishop Hubbard's recent actions stirred further attention. Last fall, he expressed his desire to be laicized, a process that would formally release him from his priestly duties. This decision came as he could no longer fulfill his role due to a U.S. church policy barring priests accused of misconduct from ministry. However, his request was met with rejection by the Vatican in March. Bishop Hubbard's decision to pursue matrimony with an unidentified woman, which he announced earlier this month, raised eyebrows and garnered significant media coverage. In his statement, he explained, "In the meantime, I have fallen in love with a wonderful woman who has helped and cared for me and who believes in me."
The diocese's current bishop, Edward Scharfenberger, has stated that the church does not recognize Bishop Hubbard's marriage as valid, emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
During Bishop Hubbard's leadership, the Albany Diocese faced a barrage of legal challenges. Hundreds of individuals filed lawsuits under a state law that permitted them to seek restitution for childhood sexual abuse they experienced, often spanning decades. Overwhelmed by the legal claims, the diocese filed for bankruptcy in March, a move aimed at addressing the financial implications of the mounting lawsuits.
In response to Bishop Hubbard's passing, Bishop Scharfenberger expressed sentiments of reflection and prayer. He acknowledged the priest's commitment to serving others and offered condolences to those whose lives were touched by Bishop Hubbard's ministry and friendship. "As we commend our brother, Howard Hubbard, to the God of all mercy, we pray also for all those who, throughout the course of his life, as priest, bishop, and friend, were inspired and encouraged along their own journey, especially those who received the sacraments through his ministry," the statement read.
Bishop Howard Hubbard's legacy is undoubtedly a complex one, reflecting a life devoted to social justice while being marred by the shadows of allegations and controversy. As Albany remembers his contributions and navigates the aftermath of his passing, the community grapples with the multifaceted legacy of a man who strived to serve his faith and his fellow human beings.
