“Inadequate” is how the Irish Association for Catholic Priests (ACP) has labelled Bishop John Magee’s first interview since the publication of the report.
ACP spokesman, Fr Tony Flannery said five minutes on the doorstep was not adequate given the questions raised by the Murphy report.
“While we welcome his interview we don’t feel it’s enough. There are many questions which are left which need to be addressed.
“We also feel that the language he used does not connect sufficiently with those involved – it’s just not clear enough”.
A woman of the Cloyne diocese said Magee’s apology was meaningless.
“I’m not impressed by his apology. If he crawled on his belly it would be too late,” said the victim.
On Monday, an ashamed Magee begged forgiveness for failing to protect children and investigate abusive priests, according to Kerryman.ie.
“I fully understand why they are angry – I let them down, by not fully implementing the guidelines which were available to me,” he said.
“I deeply, deeply regret not ensuring that the guidelines, which were my responsibility to implement, were not complied with and I ask for forgiveness for the way in which I have carried out this critically important aspect of my work.”
A spokesperson for the Catholic bishops has welcomed Magee’s offer to meet survivors of child sexual abuse inflicted by some of the clergy in the diocese of Cloyne.
Irish Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock has however slated as “unconscionable” Magee’s refusal to answer fresh questions over a report into clerical child abuse in his diocese.
“I am astounded that he (Magee) has said he has nothing to add to his original statement,” Mr Sherlock said.
“If he has any shred of human decency or moral fibre he will face the media and answer any and all questions put to him. It is the least that people deserve,” he added.
Magee made the World news when the Murphy Report into sexual abuse in the Cloyne diocese exposed him for as recently as three years ago ignoring guidelines agreed by bishops in 1996 to keep youngsters safe.
The report also criticised him for writing one report for the Vatican and falsely telling the State the diocese was reporting all abuse allegations to civil authorities.
Sources
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