Archbishop: Church shamed by failure to protect children
The Catholic Church is ashamed of its failures to protect children, All-Ireland Primate Sean Brady said tonight.
Archbishop Brady said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the findings of the inquiry into child abuse in the Diocese of Ferns conducted by Mr Justice Frank Murphy.
He said the membership of a new National Board for Child Protection within the Church would be announced shortly.
“The revelations make for very uncomfortable reading. The pages retelling the pain experienced by those who have suffered, are especially heartbreaking,” he said.
“I apologise to all those people who have suffered lasting hurt at the hands of abusers in the Church.
“As priests they should have been protecting and nurturing the talents of these young people. The betrayal of trust is horrendous. Today the Church is ashamed of its past failings regarding child protection.”
Archbishop Brady said he hoped the publication of the report, which detailed more than 100 allegations against 21 priests, will be an important step in helping all of those who have suffered so terribly.
“Actions, as well as words, are now required to show our seriousness on this issue,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Church at all times sets an example of best practice in this area.”
Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said the Catholic Church must do all it can to ensure the abuse, which occurred in Ferns, never happens again.
“It is now clear that many children would not have suffered abuse had those with knowledge acted upon it. This was unforgivable,” he said.
“It is a reminder to all of us that we must be vigilant and speak up for children. As Archbishop of Dublin, I join with others in the Church in Ireland in saying sorry to those who have been abused.”
Archbishop Martin said sexual abuse by priests has devastated the lives of those abused and their families.
“It has also resulted in enormous damage to people’s faith, not only in the Church but in God,” he said.
“Many priests have been subject to public attack and ridicule while continuing to serve in parishes and different ministries.
“Priests have traditionally enjoyed very privileged levels of trust in their communities.
“It is clear that in many cases that trust has been betrayed by those priests who abused and by the failure of church authorities to act when they should have.”
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