Menu
17/09/2012
Bishop Kirby Apologises For Paedophilia Remarks
A Co Galway-based Catholic Bishop, who moved two priests who abused children to different parishes in the 1990s, has apologised for remarks he made trivialising their crimes.
In a weekend message to the diocese of Clonfert, Bishop John Kirby said that it was never his intention to do so.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One on 5 September, Bishop Kirby said his understanding of paedophilia in the mid-1990s was that it was "a friendship that had gone astray or wrong".
In a message, published today, the Bishop says that, unfortunately, the words he used on air, when separated from their context, came across negatively.
The interview was in response to a revelation by a church-appointed watchdog that he had moved the abusers between parishes.
Today's statement does not refer to repeated calls for his resignation, but emphasises that he reported the allegations against both priests to the civil authorities within days of becoming aware of them.
He says he did so because he knew they may have committed crimes.
The bishop admitted that moving the two clerics was a serious mistake and said he takes full responsibility for his actions.
He said that while he is not aware of any abuse allegations from the parishes to which the men were moved, he operates very differently now and will continue to do so.
(H)
In a weekend message to the diocese of Clonfert, Bishop John Kirby said that it was never his intention to do so.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One on 5 September, Bishop Kirby said his understanding of paedophilia in the mid-1990s was that it was "a friendship that had gone astray or wrong".
In a message, published today, the Bishop says that, unfortunately, the words he used on air, when separated from their context, came across negatively.
The interview was in response to a revelation by a church-appointed watchdog that he had moved the abusers between parishes.
Today's statement does not refer to repeated calls for his resignation, but emphasises that he reported the allegations against both priests to the civil authorities within days of becoming aware of them.
He says he did so because he knew they may have committed crimes.
The bishop admitted that moving the two clerics was a serious mistake and said he takes full responsibility for his actions.
He said that while he is not aware of any abuse allegations from the parishes to which the men were moved, he operates very differently now and will continue to do so.
(H)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 September 2012
Bishop Apologises For Moving Two Abusive Priests To A Different Diocese
The Bishop of Clonfert in Galway has apologised for moving two priests to a different diocese after they sexually abused children. John Kirby spoke to Galway Bay FM after the publication of seven audits into child safeguarding practices in the Catholic church and religious orders. Both of the changes took place in the mid 1990's.
Bishop Apologises For Moving Two Abusive Priests To A Different Diocese
The Bishop of Clonfert in Galway has apologised for moving two priests to a different diocese after they sexually abused children. John Kirby spoke to Galway Bay FM after the publication of seven audits into child safeguarding practices in the Catholic church and religious orders. Both of the changes took place in the mid 1990's.
15 September 2010
Bishop Asks Priests For €1K Towards Compensation
The Bishop of Ferns has gone to the parish priests, asking them to contribute €1,000 each to pay the outstanding bill for abuse compensation. Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan made the request in a letter to members of the clergy writing that "the consensus at the Deanery meetings was that €1,000 per priest per year would meet our present needs".
Bishop Asks Priests For €1K Towards Compensation
The Bishop of Ferns has gone to the parish priests, asking them to contribute €1,000 each to pay the outstanding bill for abuse compensation. Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan made the request in a letter to members of the clergy writing that "the consensus at the Deanery meetings was that €1,000 per priest per year would meet our present needs".
24 March 2010
Pope Accepts Bishop Of Cloyne's Resignation
Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop of Cloyne John Magee. The Vatican made the announcement at 11am this morning, stating in its regular bulletin: "The Pope has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Cloyne (Ireland), in compliance with the Code of Canonical Right.
Pope Accepts Bishop Of Cloyne's Resignation
Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop of Cloyne John Magee. The Vatican made the announcement at 11am this morning, stating in its regular bulletin: "The Pope has accepted the resignation of the Bishop of Cloyne (Ireland), in compliance with the Code of Canonical Right.
30 November 2009
Bishop Claims Abuse Reports 'Misread'
The Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, has responded to calls for the resignation of a Bishop implicated in the Walsh report, by saying his critics had "misread" the document.
Bishop Claims Abuse Reports 'Misread'
The Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, has responded to calls for the resignation of a Bishop implicated in the Walsh report, by saying his critics had "misread" the document.
13 May 2015
Tusla Cuts Funding To Catholic Church Marriage Preparation Course
Tusla, the statutory child and family agency, will no longer fund a marriage preparation course run by the Catholic Church. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Tusla Chief Executive Gordon Jeyes said that the agency needed to "live within its means when cuts were being made".
Tusla Cuts Funding To Catholic Church Marriage Preparation Course
Tusla, the statutory child and family agency, will no longer fund a marriage preparation course run by the Catholic Church. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Tusla Chief Executive Gordon Jeyes said that the agency needed to "live within its means when cuts were being made".
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Frequent, often heavy showers of rain, sleet and snow will affect most parts this evening and overnight, but are likely to be most frequent across the northeast. Minimum temperature -1 °C.
