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	Statement of the Diocese of Pembroke Roman Catholic Diocese of Pembroke April 9, 2010 http://www.diocesepembroke.ca/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=202%3Astatement-of-the-diocese-of-pembroke&lang=english The Diocese of Pembroke wishes to acknowledge the release of documents filed as exhibits in the ongoing civil case involving the sexual abuse of boys by Bernard Prince, formerly a priest of the Diocese. The Bishop of Pembroke, Michael Mulhall, wishes to reiterate the sympathy and concern felt for the victims of Bernard Prince expressed in the past for these tragic events and confirm the commitment of the Diocese to open and transparent treatment of the facts of the case. The Diocese is confident that the recently released documents demonstrate that it has done its best to be proactive and responsible in following its policies in dealing with these allegations. The Diocese took the initiative in contacting the victim in October 1990 in response to rumors that began circulating early in 1990. In accordance with protocol the victim was encouraged to refer the allegations to the civil authorities and offered support and encouragement. His decision at the time was not to do so. The process by which the full facts of this case came to light took time and careful consideration of the interests of all the parties. The uncertain nature of these allegations at the time is made evident in the February 10, 1993 correspondence of former Bishop J.R. Windle which states, “this information is reaching us in bits and pieces, from various sources, including sordid details, but we have no way of assessing the total accuracy of these reports.” The Diocese did not at the time, and does not today, feel that the emotional impact on the victims was underplayed or trivialized. The Diocese is fully aware that this is an ongoing process and will continue to be attentive to the needs of all parties concerned.
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