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15/04/2002
Bishop Walsh pens letter to “disillusioned” Catholics
In an open letter to parishioners the Bishop of Down and Connor Dr Patrick Walsh said he understood why people felt “saddened and disillusioned” by the child abuse scandals.
In a pastoral letter read out to Masses across the diocese on Sunday April 14, Dr Patrick Walsh said: “We were all too aware of the pain and the deep scars caused to those who, as children, have suffered any form of sexual abuses, especially when this has been carried out by those priests or religious who have grievously betrayed a position of trust.
“Recent events in Ireland and indeed in other countries have heightened that sense of awareness.
“So many are in need of healing. This healing process is long and very painful. A vital part of that healing is the need to establish the truth about how complaints and allegations were dealt with by the church. It is the truth which sets one free.”
The Catholic Church is to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by priests dating back more than 60 years.
An independent audit by lay people who are experts in child protection and legislation will also be carried out in all Irish dioceses.
Another pastoral letter issued by the Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell, spoke of the “evil of child sex abuse by priests”.
The Cardinal said he was deeply aware of the damage it was causing the Catholic church, and said the church would take whatever further action was necessary. (AMcE)
In a pastoral letter read out to Masses across the diocese on Sunday April 14, Dr Patrick Walsh said: “We were all too aware of the pain and the deep scars caused to those who, as children, have suffered any form of sexual abuses, especially when this has been carried out by those priests or religious who have grievously betrayed a position of trust.
“Recent events in Ireland and indeed in other countries have heightened that sense of awareness.
“So many are in need of healing. This healing process is long and very painful. A vital part of that healing is the need to establish the truth about how complaints and allegations were dealt with by the church. It is the truth which sets one free.”
The Catholic Church is to investigate allegations of child sex abuse by priests dating back more than 60 years.
An independent audit by lay people who are experts in child protection and legislation will also be carried out in all Irish dioceses.
Another pastoral letter issued by the Archbishop of Dublin, Cardinal Desmond Connell, spoke of the “evil of child sex abuse by priests”.
The Cardinal said he was deeply aware of the damage it was causing the Catholic church, and said the church would take whatever further action was necessary. (AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
