SMAAllegations have been made against 21 Society of African Missions priests, six of whom are out of ministry or have left the priesthood. Only one SMA priest has been convicted of abusing a child since 1975.
Two others have been laicised and the laicisation of a third is being processed. Three others are in ministry in mission countries.
All of these cases were assessed and it is believed no safeguarding children issues exist.
FERNS
Yesterday’s NBSCCC revealed 100 allegations of sexual abuse were made in Ferns since 1975. While describing the historical case management as “poor and inadequate”, the national board say there was “a change of direction” from 2002 onwards.
It states Bishop Brennan “took every appropriate action in the cases of allegations against diocesan priests that have arisen since he was appointed”. Ten alleged abusers are still alive and eight of these had been examined in the Ferns inquiry. None are in ministry and seven have been dismissed from the Church. Twelve allegations against six of these eight priests were received by the diocese after the publication of the Ferns Inquiry Report.
KILLALA
Allegations were made against just three priests: One is dead, one is out of ministry, and one is in ministry. The national board noted a case in the diocese where the HSE would not reveal the name of a victim to the diocese or accused priest. Two months later, they agreed to name the victim to the bishop but still would not tell the priest.
Bishop Fleming had to remove the priest even though he wasn’t being afforded natural justice. Eventually the priest brought the matter to the High Court and the HSE was forced to back down. The national board said the case should sound as a warning.
ELPHIN
There were allegations made against 16 priests, nine of whom are still alive, five who out of ministry or have left priesthood, and eight of whom are in ministry or retired. According to the national board, a significant number of allegations were shown to be unfounded.
WATERFORD
Allegations were made against 15 priests, 12 of whom are still alive and seven who are out of ministry.
Bishop William Lee confirmed three civil claims cost the diocese €180,000 in compensation and legal fees. Two more civil cases are pending.
It also noted poor protocol in other countries around the relocation of priests. A priest returned to Ireland and had been concelebrating Masses before it emerged an allegation had been made against him in 2002.
Neither the respondent priest nor Bishop Lee had been informed of the claims until nine years later. Bishop Lee directed him to cease public ministry.