BishopAccountability.org

Accused Priest Seeks Redress

The Tablet UK
June 17, 2013

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/latest-news/5410

A senior Adelaide priest named in the Australian Parliament as having sexually abused the former Primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion more than 40 years ago is to seek redress from a parliamentary privileges committee.

Mgr Ian Dempsey was named in Parliament by Independent Senator Nick Xenophon in 2011 as one of three clergy who had allegedly abused Bishop John Hepworth. Dempsey vigorously denied allegations.

Mgr Dempsey, a former vicar-general and naval chaplain, told The Tablet he was "very relieved" by a recommendation last week by the South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions that no charges be laid on the basis of Hepworth's allegations. Mgr Dempsey said that his reputation had been "irreparably smeared" by Senator Xenaphon's decision to reveal his identity and said he would pursue the matter again with the Senate president and the Senate privileges committee.




.


Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.