Monday, November 23, 2009

Priest to quit over abuse claims

A Roman Catholic priest in Northern Ireland has been asked to leave his post over child abuse claims dating back to the mid-1970's.

Police launched an investigation into the conduct of Fr Paul Symonds when he was working in England, the church authorities said.

Church authorities have refused to reveal where he was working in England.

Biography of Fr Paul SYMNODS

Fr Paul Symonds was born in England. He was ordained priest in 1976.

From 1979 to 1989 he ministered in Belgium, Holland, France and Rome. He went to the Diocese of Down and Connor in October 1989.

He was a member of the Columbanus Community of Reconciliation in Belfast from 1989 to 1992, serving during that time in the parishes of Whitehouse and Holy Family, as well as in the Maze Prison.

From 1992 to 1998 he ministered in the Parish of Drumbo in South Belfast, before being appointed spiritual director in St Malachy’s college.

He was appointed to the parish of Glenavy and Killead in August 2002 and then to the parish of Kirkinriola (Ballymena) in August 2003.

He is especially committed to reconciliation and the unity of Christians. He has enjoyed close links with the Benedictine monks of Holy Cross Monastery, Rostrevor, Co Down.
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