CHURCH authorities will not comment on reports that the allegations
which have led to a Kildare priest stepping aside from his post relate
to an alleged incident more than 20 years ago.
On Sunday week last, parishioners attending masses at
the parish of St. Charles Borromeo in Confey, Leixlip, were informed
that parish priest,
Fr. Phillip Corcoran, was stepping aside pending an inquiry into allegations of a sexual nature.
It is believed by parish sources, but it has not been confirmed, that the complaint relates to a matter which took place 22 years ago.
This week, the Roman Catholic Church's Dublin Diocesan press office declined to comment any further on the statement which was made in the church.
The spokesperson said statements made in the church would not be made to the public.
The statement, said to be brief, around 15 words long, was not repeated by the Dublin Diocesan office.
It could give no information on the timing or length of any inquiry.
Fr. Corcoran, a Dublin native, who has served in Kilmead in Kildare, Valleymount in Wicklow and Castleknock, Dublin, in the course of his priestly career has spent a number of years in the Confey parish.
The move to step aside is in no way a suggestion of any wrong doing.
Following years of scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, the policy is to take great care, to the extent, some argue, where one is "guilty until proven innocent."
A number of priests in the Dublin area have stepped aside in recently years for a temporary period and they were subsequently found innocent of any allegations.
A clear set of policy guidelines now exists on handling allegations against clergy and others involved in the church.
They stress the safeguarding of children, in particular, and a fair method for the accused as well as an atmosphere where those who have been abused can make complaints in a caring and responsive atmosphere.
There are also proceedures for communicating with parishioners involving the timing of statements and the provision of appropriate information.
The guidelines, published in 2005, Our Children, Our Church - Child Protection Policies and Procedures for the Catholic Church in Ireland - are available via the church's website.
Fr. Phillip Corcoran, was stepping aside pending an inquiry into allegations of a sexual nature.
It is believed by parish sources, but it has not been confirmed, that the complaint relates to a matter which took place 22 years ago.
This week, the Roman Catholic Church's Dublin Diocesan press office declined to comment any further on the statement which was made in the church.
The spokesperson said statements made in the church would not be made to the public.
The statement, said to be brief, around 15 words long, was not repeated by the Dublin Diocesan office.
It could give no information on the timing or length of any inquiry.
Fr. Corcoran, a Dublin native, who has served in Kilmead in Kildare, Valleymount in Wicklow and Castleknock, Dublin, in the course of his priestly career has spent a number of years in the Confey parish.
The move to step aside is in no way a suggestion of any wrong doing.
Following years of scandal in the Roman Catholic Church, the policy is to take great care, to the extent, some argue, where one is "guilty until proven innocent."
A number of priests in the Dublin area have stepped aside in recently years for a temporary period and they were subsequently found innocent of any allegations.
A clear set of policy guidelines now exists on handling allegations against clergy and others involved in the church.
They stress the safeguarding of children, in particular, and a fair method for the accused as well as an atmosphere where those who have been abused can make complaints in a caring and responsive atmosphere.
There are also proceedures for communicating with parishioners involving the timing of statements and the provision of appropriate information.
The guidelines, published in 2005, Our Children, Our Church - Child Protection Policies and Procedures for the Catholic Church in Ireland - are available via the church's website.