Letter from Archbishop Dermot Clifford to the people of the Diocese of Cloyne
My dear people,
You
will be aware by now that most of the report of the Commission of
Inquiry into the handling of clerical sex abuse in the diocese of Cloyne
was published during the week, and you will also know from media
reports what the main findings were.
I am sure you will be
experiencing many different emotions, including shock, anger,
disappointment and sadness at what is in this report.
First I wish
to reiterate the apology which I made on the day to the many who have
suffered horrendous acts of abuse perpetrated by some priests of the
Cloyne Diocese. The sexual abuse of children, particularly when carried
out by those in positions of trust and responsibility for the welfare of
children, is always a criminal as well as a sinful act. It deserves our
utter condemnation.
I also apologise again for the consistent
failure to report allegations to the civil authorities and for the
mistakes and omissions which were made over a number of years in the
Diocese. The people of Cloyne were entitled to expect that all such
complaints would be handled according to the official Church guidelines.
This was not the case, and for this I am truly sorry.
Since my
appointment as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Cloyne in March
2009 it has been part of my role to ensure that proper procedures are
being followed in each and every case of allegations of child sexual
abuse.
Working on many of the genuine improvements put in place in the
months prior to my appointment, a large number of positive actions have
taken place in the Diocese for more than two years now.
A
comprehensive list of these safeguarding reforms is posted on the
diocesan website, or may be obtained from the priests of your parish. It
is not an exhaustive list but I feel it gives a good indication of the
real improvements that have been put in place to ensure that the
children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with the diocese of
Cloyne are protected now and in the future. Not least of these is the
fact that every parish now has one or more child safeguarding
representatives in place, and that every priest in ministry in the
diocese has been vetted by the Gardaí.
Everything possible is
being done to ensure that the Diocese of Cloyne is as safe an
environment for children and vulnerable adults. The process of improving
child safeguarding procedures in the Diocese is ongoing. I have
consistently encouraged and facilitated the promotion of safeguarding of
children in the Diocese of Cloyne since I was appointed here.
Last
Wednesday was a very sad day indeed for all of us. However, since I
took up my present position I have met many of you on different
occasions, such as the Chrism Mass, the Confirmations in Cobh, the
jubilees of various churches, the blessing and opening of school
extensions, as well as at funerals, sporting and community events. I
know from personal experience that you, the people of Cloyne, have a
strong faith and a deep love for God which will help you in these
difficult times. I have also met your priests on numerous occasions.
I
know that the vast majority of them are good and holy men whose main
interest is to serve God and you, His people. I know you realise that
they too share your hurt, anger and sadness at the contents of this
report.
Let us continue to pray for all who have been abused in
any way, and especially for those abused by priests, that the Lord may
assist them, and all of us, in the journey towards reconciliation, deep
inner healing and peace.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Dermot Clifford