UTV News - Derry Bishop sorry over abuse

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Derry Bishop sorry over abuse

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The Bishop of Derry Seamus Hegarty has apologised to a group of victims for the abuse they suffered as children while in the care of the Catholic Church.
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Three of the victims had been brought up in Sisters of Nazareth-run Termonbacca care home, outside Derry City.

Dr. Seamus Hegarty made the apology after meeting with the group for over three hours on Tuesday evening.

"I'm delighted to have had the opportunity that I have had", Bishop Hegarty said afterwards.

"I did indicate my profound apology to them for what they have suffered in institutions run by the Church where the love and understanding of Christ were so sadly missing."

Victims had been demanding a meeting with Bishop Hegarty for some time.

They said they wanted the Bishop to believe their stories.

"I think he understands something he previously didn't understand and I think this is not the end of the road", Jon McCourt, one of the clerical abuse victims who met Bishop Hegarty in Derry, said.

"This is part of a journey that still has a lot of pain involved", he added.

Victims have called for a Northern Ireland inquiry into clerical child abuse.

"I'm very proud that there are lads here to talk for the boys who can't talk", John Meehan told UTV.

"There are a lot of boys out there who just cannot talk."

"They might have the courage to come forward."

© UTV News

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