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Thursday, 18 March 2010

Church 'told police' about abuse claims

Police were told about allegations of child sex abuse made against the priest at the centre of cover-up claims in Londonderry, the Catholic Church has said.

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In a statement, a spokesman for Bishop Seamus Hegarty said senior members of the RUC were made aware of the case in 1995.

Dr Hegarty is facing allegations that he was involved in an out-of-court compensation deal in which he was named as a defendant.

But Bishop Hegarty defended his handling of the case he was party to, which saw one of his clerics accused of abusing a girl over a 10-year period starting in 1979 when she was only eight.

He said: "A confidentiality agreement was not proposed by the diocese, but was proposed to the diocese by one of the other parties, and, to facilitate a settlement, the diocese agreed."

The Belfast Telegraph reported that a confidentiality agreement was made between the victim and the Catholic Church, which saw £12,000 handed over to the victim in compensation, along with a letter of apology from the priest named as her abuser.

The settlement did not include any admission of liability by the Church.

Statement

The statement issued on Thursday evening stated that Bishop Hegarty, his predecessor Bishop Edward Daly and the priest were sued by the person making the allegation.

It added: "After a protracted period of time, the priest paid £12,000 to (the victim). The diocese made no contribution to the money paid by the priest.

"The case against Bishop Daly and Bishop Hegarty was dismissed.

"A confidentiality agreement was not proposed by the diocese, but was proposed to the diocese by one of the other parties, and, to facilitate a settlement, the diocese agreed - this agreement was in the year 2000, five years after the civil authorities were first aware of the matter."

Bishop Edward Daly, who was named in the court papers, was best known for his involvement in civil rights marches in Londonderry.

The iconic images of him waving a white handkerchief on Bloody Sunday as he accompanied the body of a dying man were broadcast around the world.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, the alleged victim claimed her abuser warned her she would be "punished by God" if she spoke out.

She only told her family about her ordeal on her 18th birthday.

The priest at the centre of the abuse accusations is said to have been welcomed into the girl's home by her parents.

The victim's mother told the Belfast Telegraph: "That was the start of our nightmare because, as parents, you are supposed to protect your child.

"But we felt we had let this monster into our home without question."

The victim and her family have criticised the Catholic Church's response since the allegations of abuse were first made.

On Thursday, Bishop Hegarty's statement said: "It is important to note that the diocese is today committed to the standards and guidance in the Safeguarding Children document; this involves a full and immediate communication of allegations to the civil authorities."

Earlier this week, Dr Hegarty apologised to victims of abuse in Catholic Church run institutions.

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6 Comments

At 18:10 on 23 March 2010, maggie wrote:

Colin. Jesus told the crowds to obey the law. But the Cardinals and Bishops are not law givers they are at the head of Christ's church to set an example. What you are saying is listen to all the Bishops tell you but don't do it.The church has fallen foul of the law since these persons who were abused has signed this piece of paper and the would be child molester knew he would be free.The Church needs a change to keep it free from these people the child abuser out.. To me the church is victim of its own greatness and wealth and the power over people's lives.

At 15:18 on 19 March 2010, John wrote:

There are numerous alternative Christain Denominations within which those who love Christ can live out their faith. Don't waste your time on an institution that places more importance on protecting paedophile priests than practising the Christain principles that are found in the bible and upon which Christianity is anchored.

At 07:52 on 19 March 2010, T J McClean wrote:

Root and branch reform needed.

At 17:05 on 18 March 2010, lorna wrote:

I know this is differnt from child abuse but I can't understand why a Priest cannot marry. St Paul said it was good to stay single but also better to marry than to burn. He also said a man's head should not be covered when saying prayers but I have seen the Pope and Cardinals wearing headgear at mass.The Cannon law makers, what idea did they have when that law was invented and who was protected by it. Would it not occure to those priests that it was against the law to protect a criminial and pay off the victims. It should be God's church and to many their faith. The Church is slowing being distroyed and we need the comfort we get from our faith.For all the good Priests the work of this law brings all them into question

At 17:03 on 18 March 2010, Colin wrote:

Gerard: Jesus stated Matt 23: 1 - 4 "Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice." I think Jesus would say "these Bishops take their seat on the chair of Peter. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice." Remember this is a time of purification of the Church. These evil preadators will be rooted out and the Church will return to it's former glory. We must be steadfast in the faith as this is a time of tribulation for the Church but Jesus will not abandon us. Our hope is in the Lord.

At 12:47 on 18 March 2010, Gerard wrote:

The Catholic Church is doing too little, too late. The reality is that the church and its related institutions abused and persecuted the most vulnerable in society in the most horrendous and sadistic way. Power corrupted and total power corrupted totally. I don't believe Jesus would view the church any better than he did the Pharisees of his time.