SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. -- Only weeks before he’s expected to begin his new job, concerns over Saginaw’s new Bishop are heating up as one group claims Joseph Cistone helped cover up child abuse.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, held a news conference Tuesday, demanding answers about the bishop’s track record.

Local Group Protests New Saginaw Bishop

The group is trying to meet with incoming Saginaw Bishop Cistone to discuss his past dealings within the Catholic Church.

“What we’re asking for is a chance to sit down and have an open forum and discuss these [issues] with the bishop,” said SNAP president Barbara Blaine.

SNAP is basing its concern on a 2005 grand jury probe, conducted in Philadelphia, which criticizes the bishop for an alleged cover-up within his former diocese.

SNAP is also pushing the new bishop for answers regarding the status of two suspended Saginaw priests who are alleged predators.

The bishop was not in Saginaw Tuesday, as he is still carrying out his duties in Philadelphia.

Sister Mary Judith O’Brien, vice chancellor of the Saginaw Diocese, said Cistone released a statement when SNAP arrived Tuesday.

“I express my sorrow for difficulties anyone has experienced by church representatives, either in word or action,” said Sister O’Brien.

Stay with WNEM.com and TV5 as this story develops.