Bishop Howard Hubbard marries after retirement
On August 1, 2024, Emeritus Bishop Howard Hubbard, an 84-year-old retired bishop of Albany, New York, revealed that he had recently married a woman in a civil ceremony. This surprising announcement comes amidst a turbulent period for the Albany diocese, which filed for bankruptcy due to an influx of lawsuits from individuals who claim to have suffered sexual abuse as children, some of which date back several decades.
The current bishop of the Albany diocese stated that they do not recognize Hubbard's marriage as valid. Despite his retirement in 2014, Hubbard's past actions have been under scrutiny as he faced allegations of covering up abuse by priests to avoid public scandal. However, he has vehemently denied any accusations of personally abusing minors.
Last autumn, Hubbard expressed his desire to be laicized, or returned to the lay state, as he felt unable to continue functioning as a priest under the U.S. church's policy prohibiting accused priests from active ministry. This request was rejected by the Vatican in March, and he was advised to await the resolution of the seven civil lawsuits filed against him before any further decisions could be made.
Hubbard, in a prepared statement, expressed that he might have to wait until he reaches the age of 91 or 92 before the legal matters are fully concluded. During this time, he found love and companionship with a woman who has provided him with support and care. He described her as a wonderful woman who believes in him and stands by his side.
Their marriage took place in July during a civil ceremony. However, despite his decision to leave the priesthood, the rules against marriage for priests still apply to Hubbard, as clarified by Albany Bishop Edward Scharfenberger. The Church does not recognize his marriage as valid, and he remains a retired bishop of the Roman Catholic Church, unable to enter into a legitimate marriage according to church regulations.
Bishop Scharfenberger expressed that he is still processing this unexpected news. The Albany diocese, like many others in the state, continues to grapple with lawsuits related to childhood sexual abuse, as the statute of limitations was temporarily suspended in New York to give victims the opportunity to pursue long-standing allegations.
When approached for further information, a representative for Hubbard declined to provide additional details. Hubbard himself has requested that reporters and others respect his privacy, stating that his life in the public sphere has now come to an end.
