N.Y. Bishop Apologizes to Parishioners for Affairs

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. —  A New York bishop who admitted having affairs with women has written a letter of apology to parishioners, saying “there is no excuse possible” for what happened.

James McCarthy, 59, resigned Tuesday as pastor of St. Elizabeth’s in Shrub Oak and as an auxiliary bishop of the New York Archdiocese after a woman revealed to Cardinal Edward Egan that she had had a sexual relationship with McCarthy.

“I cannot begin to imagine the thoughts and emotions which are yours because of my sinfulness so many years ago,” McCarthy wrote in a letter posted Thursday on the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish Web site.

“I am truly sorry and apologize to you. I wish it were possible for me to do this kneeling before each of you individually, especially the younger members of Seton,” he wrote.

The bishop acknowledged an improper relationship more than two decades ago with a woman of about 21, and admitted improper sexual contact with other women.

“Let it be absolutely clear that I take full responsibility for my sinfulness,” he wrote. “It is not the fault of my accuser or anyone else. My behavior was wrong and betrayed the trust the Church placed in me.”

McCarthy, who had been at the parish six years, was a secretary to the late Cardinal John O’Connor.