Archbishop resigns over relationship

AN Irish-born archbishop based in Africa has resigned, after he confessed to a long-term relationship with a woman he met in Nigeria more than 20 years ago, although he has firmly rejected her accusations that he sexually abused her as a child.

The acceptance of the resignation of Richard Burke as Archbishop of Benin City in Nigeria by Pope Benedict XVI was formally confirmed yesterday.

Archbishop Burke, who comes originally from Fethard, Co Tipperary, said in a statement: “The reason for my resignation is that I have been unfaithful to my oath of celibacy.” He also said he was deeply ashamed of his behaviour which he recognised had caused great pain, hurt and bewilderment to those around him.

The 61-year-old cleric is a member of St Patrick’s Missionary Society (the Kiltegan Fathers).

“I take full responsibility for my actions. I wish to express my deepest sorrow for my inappropriate, irresponsible and repeatedly sinful conduct,” said Archbishop Burke yesterday.

The archbishop stepped down as Archbishop of Benin City last year, less than 12 months after his appointment to the position after a series of allegations were made against him by a Canadian-based woman, Dolores Atwood in December 2008.

Among the complaints made by the 41-year-old Nigerian is that he had sexually abused her when she was aged just 14 and a patient in a Nigerian hospital which he had visited as a priest. However, Archbishop Burke strenuously denied that he had ever sexually abused Ms Atwood or any child.

“This is still my position. It is the truth,” he said.

He pointed out that an investigation by his religious order in Nigeria had found no corroborating evidence to support Ms Atwood’s allegations.

Archbishop Burke admitted they had shared “a caring relationship” that began in late 1989 when she was 21 and he was 40. He also revealed they had met on seven occasions in the past 20 years, three of which they had conducted a sexual relationship.

Archbishop Burke apologised to his family, relatives, friends and religious colleagues, as well as to Ms Atwood and her family. He also asked for the forgiveness of the people and clergy of the Archdiocese of Benin City and the Diocese of Warri in Nigeria where he was apostolic administrator.

In a statement, St Patrick’s Missionary Society said the former archbishop had apologised to all those hurt by his actions and had taken full responsibility for what he had done wrong.

The order confirmed that an investigation by its child protection officer in Nigeria had found no evidence to support Ms Atwood’s complaints of child sexual abuse against Archbishop Burke. It also acknowledged that it had recently agreed to renew its offer of counselling to the mother-of-three.

However, the case has been taken over by the Vatican-based Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith which is still examining the conduct of Archbishop Burke.