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  Naming Rape Accused Priest "Unjust, Unfair"

Herald Sun
September 15, 2011

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/naming-rape-accused-priest-unjust-unfair/story-e6frf7jx-1226137424469

THERE are more questions to be answered about the Catholic Church's handling of a rape claim by a former Catholic priest, Cardinal George Pell says.

Senator Nick Xenophon has created a furore by naming a Catholic priest accused of raping a now Anglican priest decades ago using parliamentary privilege.

Monsignor Ian Dempsey, the man named by Senator Xenophon under parliamentary privilege in the senate yesterday has categorically denied the claims.

Adelaide Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson said Senator Xenophon's decision to publicly name the priest was unjust and unfair.

Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Pell expressed deep sorrow for the suffering of the alleged victim, John Hepworth, the Adelaide Archbishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion, at the hands of another Melbourne priest, which was proved by an independent investigation.

"More information seems to be needed to explain further to the public any unusual delays in acting on this complaint and the decision not to stand aside the person who has been accused," Cardinal Pell told ABC Television last night.

 
 

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