Culture of cover-up should shame all involved

BELFAST (NORTHERN IRELAND)
Irish News

March 3, 2018

By Allison Morris

The resignation of Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey was swift and unexpected.

In the closed ranks of the Catholic Church it is rare for one man to take responsibility for what was an historical culture of silence when it came to the abuse of children by members of the clergy.

That the horrendous abuse, sexual, physical and emotional, experienced by young boys at the hands of Fr Malachy Finegan went unreported and unchecked for so long should shame all of those involved.

The testimony of victims, who have finally felt able to speak out, has painted a grim picture of what life was like for boys who came in contact with the savage, sadistic thug of a man who used his power as a Catholic priest to brutalise young children.

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