BishopAccountability.org
	Sexual Abuse of Children 'Inexcusable' By Brendan Furlong Irish Examiner [Ireland] October 30, 2005 BISHOP Eamonn Walsh described it as inexcusable that some priests of the diocese sexually abused children. Speaking before a packed congregation at the Immaculate Conception Church, Rowe Street, in Wexford town, yesterday, Bishop Walsh said he was unable to imagine the mental and emotional trauma of a child or teenager sexually abused by a priest. Bishop Walsh, speaking before the commencement of Mass to an overflowing congregation, said: "This is not a time for excuses. There are hard lessons to be learned from the findings of the inquiry, for there is much to be done to repair the damage to those who were abused. "The diocese is committed to doing all it can to help in repairing the harm that has been done, for we are acutely aware that this will be a long process. We are also aware that some of those whose trust in priests and the Church has been shattered may have a real difficulty in accepting any help from us." He said many of the recommendations of the inquiry are already being addressed, while those outstanding will be acted upon immediately. Bishop Walsh told the congregation those who were abused describe some of the elements of what they experienced not being believed, being manipulated into thinking it was their own fault, becoming distant and angry with people who may have had knowledge or who perhaps knew what was happening. Once again apologising to all who suffered through sexual abuse by a priest of the diocese, he said words of sorrow cannot be left unspoken for those who have been abused or where that abuse was compounded by the response, or lack of response, by the diocese. Bishop Walsh said he accepted the finding of the Ferns Inquiry, that some priests who were ordained for the diocese should not have been ordained, and would not have been had those who made complaints or expressed suspicions been properly heard. Bishop Walsh concluded by quoting from the very apt words of writer Heather Parsons: "The time has come to find a new tomorrow. For in that new tomorrow, there is another new beginning. The cloud has risen and the light has come through."
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