Statement by Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor in response to the publication of the Cloyne Report
We in Down and Connor acknowledge the publication this afternoon of
the report into the abuse of children in the Diocese of Cloyne
reflecting the failure to protect the most innocent in our society.
No
words of apology from me for the culture of self protection in the Irish
Church at the expense of survivors of abuse can, in themselves, ease
the pain of those who have suffered and continue to suffer as a result
of the abuses of the past. Nevertheless, I apologise once again to all
those who have suffered in any way.
This Report reminds us again of the need to remain vigilant and self
critical to ensure that there can be no recurrence of these past
disgraceful failings.
The first duty of the Church now is to listen to
the cry of survivors and help them to cope with the continuing pain with
which they have been burdened by the sins of clergy.
The paramount concern of the Diocese of Down and Connor is the safety
and welfare of children.
The Cloyne Report reinforces the necessity
for the coherent application of robust and transparent child
safeguarding procedures.
The Diocese is committed to the rigorous
implementation of the guidelines of the National Board for Safeguarding
Children in the Catholic Church and to the fullest co-operation by our
well trained and professionally staffed office with police, social
services and other statutory agencies.
Although much has been done to advance safeguarding and many trained
volunteers are now working very effectively in our parishes, we still
have a way to travel to regain the full trust of the people, but I hope
and pray that by our actions and humility we can continue the healing
process to ease the pain that survivors of abuse by clergy continue to
endure on a daily basis.