IRELAND
The Tablet
Calls for Cardinal Brady’s resignation after victim’s book reveals role in cover-up of priest’s abuse
25 July 2014 by Sarah Mac Donald
Survivors of sexual abuse have called for the resignation of the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady after a new book revealed details of his role in the cover-up concerning a priest who inflicted horrific abuse on an altar server.
The evidence appears in a memoir, Sworn to Secrecy, published this week by Brendan Boland, who was abused by Fr Brendan Smyth for three years in the 1970s. The book reproduces for the first time the oath of secrecy which the 14-year-old was made to sign and which the then Fr John Brady countersigned. Fr Brady – who went on to become the Archbishop of Armagh and Ireland’s Primate – acted as notary for a secret canonical inquiry into Smith’s abuse of Brendan Boland.
Mr Boland acquired the transcripts through legal discovery procedures when he took a High Court action against the Archdiocese of Armagh and Cardinal Brady. They reveal the invasive questions the 14-year-old was asked during the inquiry, including whether he had participated in similar sexual activities with other boys or men.
Mr Boland told The Tablet that he would like Cardinal Brady to read his book. “He might go away and reflect on it and consider whether, in the light of his role in the events described, he should retire in the normal fashion, or resign,” he said.
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