Bishop of Raphoe issues apology after former priest jailed

Highland Radio
February 05, 2021

https://www.highlandradio.com/2021/02/05/bishop-of-raphoe-issues-apology-after-former-priest-jailed/

The Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian has issued a statement on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, apologising to the family of a man who was abused by a former priest from the diocese.

The Bishop said that the Church must continue to ensure that such crimes never happen again and that victims feel their voices are heard and that they are supported.

Yesterday, at Letterkenny Circuit Court, a former priest of the Diocese of Raphoe, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the sexual abuse of a minor in 1985.

He was a priest in the diocese from 1976 and was removed from ministry immediately on reception of the complaint in 1998. The Gardai and HSE/ Tulsa were informed then.

In a statement and on behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, Bishop Alan McGuckian said that he was deeply saddened that an innocent child had to endure this devastating abuse.

The Bishop said that it’s all the more serious as it involved abuse by someone in a position of sacred trust and power.

Bishop McGuckian apologised sincerely to the man who suffered and to his family and that he fully accepts that no apology can undo the harm inflicted on an innocent child.

The Bishop concluded by encouraging anyone else who has a concern or complaint, either now or from the past, to come forward and contact both the diocese and the statutory authorities.