Vacy man Peter Gogarty, who is representing himself at the special commission of inquiry into an alleged sexual abuse cover-up by the Hunter Catholic Church, asked the bishop why he wrote a media release calling for acceptance of victims in 2005.

Bishop Malone said it was apparent at the time of Fletcher's investigation that one of the priest's victims was being ostracised and his family intimidated.

The bishop said eggs were thrown at his home in Hamilton and the homes of victims in "quasi violent" attacks. 

He said the question of Fletcher's guilt strongly divided parishioners.

The inquiry will close for private hearings later today.