Disgraced WV Catholic Bishop Bransfield dies at 82
A church investigation found credible sexual harassment and financial improprieties, and a 2019 plan required apologies, reduced pension benefits and restitution.
- Wheeling-Charleston Bishop Michael Bransfield died Thursday at age 82, according to a statement from the Diocese. Bransfield served as leader of the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese from 2005 until his resignation in 2018.
- Bransfield resigned in 2018 following a church investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of adults and financial improprieties. The misconduct resulted in multiple lawsuits and prompted disciplinary action from Pope Francis.
- Bishop Mark Brennan announced a "plan of amends" in 2019, requiring Bransfield to reimburse personal expenses and accept a reduced pension benefit of $736 a month. Brennan replaced Bransfield as diocesan leader.
- In an August 2020 letter, Bransfield apologized to the Catholic church in West Virginia, stating, "I'm sorry if I offended anyone" regarding actions attributed to him during his tenure as Bishop.
- The Diocese stated his funeral and burial will not take place in West Virginia. Church leaders invited the faithful to pray for his soul, his family, friends, and caregivers at this time.
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catholicworldreport.com
ewtnnews.comBransfield, ex-Wheeling-Charleston bishop accused of misconduct, dies at 82
An archdiocesan investigation in 2018 claimed Bishop Michael Bransfield engaged in multiple instances of sexual harassment and financial malfeasance of diocesan funds. Bishop Michael Bransfield, who was accused of a pattern of sexual harassment and [...]
Charleston Gazette-Mail
The Herald-DispatchMichael Bransfield, scandal-plagued ex-bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, dead at 82
Former bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia, Michael J. Bransfield, died May 7, 2026, at 82. Bransfield was the bishop from 2005-2018, when the pope accepted his resignation following scandalous allegations.
Disgraced West Virginia Catholic Bishop Bransfield dies at 82
*EDITOR'S NOTE: The video attached to this story comes from our previous coverage.* CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) - A former Bishop who had been investigated for an alleged groping incident and implicated in court testimony in an infamous priestly sex abuse case has died. According to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the former Bishop, Michael Bransfield, passed [...]
Disgraced WV Catholic Bishop Bransfield dies at 82
*EDITOR'S NOTE: The video attached to this story comes from our previous coverage.* CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) - A former Bishop who had been investigated for an alleged groping incident and implicated in court testimony in an infamous priestly sex abuse case has died. According to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, the former Bishop, Michael Bransfield, passed [...]
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