THE tense stand-off between Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Bishop Donal Murray has intensified after the Bishop of Limerick challenged the charge that he wasn’t taking the views of the Archdiocese of Dublin on board.Dr Murray was responding to Archbishop Martin’s challenge to 10 serving and retired bishops to explain whether they should resign in light of their handling of clerical child sexual abuse while they were prelates in Dublin.
However a spokesman for Dr Murray said "all voices are being heard".
"Bishop Murray is not looking to save his position; he has merely entered into a process of engagement with the people and priests of the diocese as to whether his ministry is a hindrance or help to the diocese", the statement said. "We would also like to stress that full consideration is being given to the opinions of all members of the public, not least those in the Archdiocese of Dublin and, particularly, survivors of clerical child sex abuse during Bishop Murray’s time there as an auxiliary bishop."
"Bishop Murray has given a thorough public response to the Murphy Report since its publication Thursday last. These include:
* Conducted a full press conference (Thursday evening) in Limerick during which he answered all questions.
* Did hour-long interview on Live 95 on Friday, November 27 which was transcribed and put up on the diocesan website and emailed to media along with the link to the interview.
* Had a letter read out at all masses at weekend which was emailed to media.
* Addressed the matter thoroughly again in his own homily on Sunday at St Joseph’s Church in Limerick
* Addressed all questions pertaining to each case relative to him, which were outlined in the Murphy report, in a two-hour, in-depth interview with a newspaper.
"We would also like to stress that full consideration is being given to the opinions of all members of the public, not least those in the Archdiocese of Dublin and, particularly, survivors of clerical child sex abuse during Bishop Murray’s time there as an auxiliary bishop. All voices are being heard," said the statement.
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