Statement
Bishop William Crean today (5th July 2016) confirmed that he has received the findings of a Penal Trial under Canon Law in respect of a priest in the Diocese of Cloyne. Arising from a child protection complaint the priest was placed on administrative leave in 2009. Following a Garda investigation, no Criminal charges were made. The Canonical process was then resumed and has now been completed and the priest having been found guilty has received a penalty of lifelong prohibition from ministry and to lead a life of penance and prayer. If appealed to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith the priest will continue to remain out of ministry. The persons who made the complaints have been contacted by the Diocese to inform them of this. The Bishop wishes to thank those who had the courage to tell their stories of abuse and to take part in the Canonical process.
Bishop Crean wishes to state:
“I apologise to all who have suffered abuse of any kind at the hands of clergy. I want to assure the people of Cloyne that the most comprehensive child protection measures are in place in the diocese. We can never be complacent and the work continues on a daily basis, by hundreds of people, to ensure that our children and young people are safe from harm.”
If anyone wishes to report an allegation of child sexual abuse by Church Personnel in the Diocese of Cloyne, please contact the Cloyne Diocesan Designated Liaison Person on 086 0368999, or the Statutory agencies:
TUSLA (Child and Family Agency)
Tel: 021-4923516
Gardaí
Garda National Protective Services Bureau
Tel: 01-6663369 or 01-6663430
Helpful Phone Numbers:
Toward Healing 1800 303416 or text no. only 085 8022859
www.towardshealing.ie
Towards Peace spiritual support service
Tel: 01 505 3028
National Office for Safeguarding Children
Tel: 01 505 3124
Fax: 01 505 3026
www.safeguarding.ie
Childline 1800 66 66 66 or text talk 50101
www.childline.ie
ISPCC 016767960
HSE Information 1850241850 (callsave)
www.hse.ie
Connect Counselling 1800 477 477
www.connectcounselling.ie
