Accused Priest Given Charge of Bigger Parish

By Dan Cox
ABC News
July 11, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-12/accused-priest-given-charge-of-bigger-parish/4815504?section=nsw


The former bishop of the Hunter Valley's Catholic Church says a priest accused of child sexual abuse was given a bigger parish because of a "staff shortage".

The former Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Michael Malone will continue giving evidence at the inquiry's public hearings today.

It is investigating claims by senior policeman Peter Fox that the Church tried to protect two priests, James Fletcher and Denis McAlinden.

Bishop Malone told the commission because of the serious allegations against Fletcher he warned the principal of a Branxton school that the priest should not have access to children.

But not long after that Bishop Malone made Fletcher responsible for the nearby Lochinvar parish as well as another school, without warning the principal there.

He said there was a "shortage" of priests and Fletcher was "the logical choice" because "there was no one else".

When asked by counsel assisting why he did not stand Fletcher down, Bishop Malone said "I wish I had".

Peter Fox has told the commission the former bishop intentionally hindered the investigation when he forewarned Fletcher of the abuse allegations against him.

Giving evidence at the public hearings, Bishop Malone said "I know I've given that impression but it was never my intention".

He said he "has a lot of regrets", including telling Fletcher about the investigation and not being "more determined to stand him aside".

The inquiry heard the other priest, Denis McAlinden, thought his tendency to sexual abuse could be "controlled by prayer" but Bishop Malone said that was "ridiculous" because he had a "psychological condition".