01.12.2009
Victims have Performed Invaluable Service - Archbishop John Neill's response to the Murphy Report
Delivering his response to the Murphy Report the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill extended his "deep sorrow for and sympathy with" the victims of clerical child sex abuse. He continues, "in having the courage to bring to light the dreadful experiences of their own childhood, the victims of abuse have challenged the whole of Irish society. They have performed an invaluable service to those who might be at risk now or indeed into the future."
The full text of the Archbishop's comments follow this press release.
Noting that "as Churches we have to continually to monitor and supervise all who are involved in the care of young and vulnerable adults" he adds, "it is only with constant vigilance, coupled with honesty and openness that the evil of abuse can be countered."
Concluding he says, "It is in this spirit that I share with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin his determination that the needs of victims are uppermost and that there is no room for denial or cover-up. It is my prayer that, through the grace and power of God, victims will find healing, and also that trust will be afforded to the countless good and faithful priests, whose ministry has been undermined by the perpetrators both of abuse and of cover-up."
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Full Text of Archbishop John Neill's response to the Dublin Report
The Murphy Report makes horrific reading. The very first and by far the most important response must be one of deep sorrow for and sympathy with the many people who have suffered deeply at the hands of those in whom they should have been able to place their trust. In having the courage to bring to light the dreadful experiences of their own childhood, the victims of abuse have challenged the whole of Irish society. They have performed an invaluable service to those who might be at risk now or indeed into the future.
It is difficult for me to comment on a report relating specifically to another Christian tradition. Nevertheless there is in every Christian and in every Church the ability to sin against God and against our fellow women and men. Sadly the very structures of both church and of society which were there to protect the most vulnerable ended up merely protecting themselves. This does not excuse the betrayal of trust and the misuse of authority at every level.
The tragedy is that abuse and the secrecy surrounding it has ruined so many young lives. We are reminded of the words of Jesus: “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea” Mark 9:42
In an ordination liturgy, I have to read these haunting words to the new priests: “Remember in your heart that if it should come about that the Church, or any of its members, is hurt or hindered by reason of your neglect, your fault will be great and God’s judgement will follow.”
As Churches, we have continually to monitor and supervise all who are involved in the care of the young and of vulnerable adults, and it is encouraging that this process is now well established both in churches and in the wider community. Such processes must be under constant review. It is only with constant vigilance, coupled with honesty and openness that the evil of abuse can be countered.
It is in this spirit that I share with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin his determination that the needs of victims are uppermost and that there is no room for denial or cover-up. It is my prayer that, through the grace and power of God, victims will find healing, and also that trust will be afforded to the countless good and faithful priests, whose ministry has been undermined by the perpetrators both of abuse and of cover-up.