The spokesman for the embattled Catholic Diocese of Buffalo is stepping down. George Richert is resigning his position as director of communications, effective Sept. 7. In a statement, Bishop Richard Malone says he is "extremely grateful" to Richert for his counsel, "especially in these tumultuous times."
"George was a valued member of my leadership team, respected in the community, and a gentleman of high integrity. I wish him the very best as he pursues other opportunities," Malone said.
Calls have grown in the past week for Malone himself to resign as the diocese deals with a growing priest sex abuse crisis. He rejected those calls in a statement last weekend.
Richert, a former TV and radio reporter, has been with the diocese since 2016. Malone says an interim spokesperson will be announced soon and a search will begin for Richert's replacement.