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A retired social worker in Scotland who did a research on “problem priests” said a “secret archives” of the Church could contain allegations of sexual abuse by as many as 100 priests and other staff in cases stretching back 50 years.
Alan Draper said an independent commission should be allowed access to the archives of each of the eight dioceses in Scotland. He dismissed plans to publish annual audits of sexual abuse allegations against priests as “window dressing.”
Based on his study, Draper believes records covering the past half century could identity as many as 100 priests and individuals associated with the Church who were accused of sexual abuse.
“This organisation [the Church] now lacks all credibility. This is a step, but it is a very small step, and it is not appropriate for the Church to lead this process,” he said.
The Catholic Church in the country announced this week that it will publish the audits – compiled by its National Office of Child Safety – of all allegations made against priests, staff or volunteers and how these were resolved.
The Church is also preparing a more detailed report for publication next year.
The Bishop of Aberdeen, Hugh Gilbert, earlier apologised on behalf of the Catholic Church for the sexual abuse of pupils by Benedictine monks at Fort Augustus Abbey school and its preparatory school, Carlekemp in East Lothian.
“It is a most bitter, shaming and distressing thing that in this former abbey school a small number of baptised, consecrated and ordained Christian men physically or sexually abused those in their care,” the bishop said.
A BBC investigation, broadcast last week, uncovered evidence of physical violence and sexual assault, including rape by monks at the fee-paying schools, which have since been closed. The cases of abuse are now being investigated by Police Scotland.
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Image: The Scotsman
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