Church adopts a minimalist response

BISHOP John Magee’s failure to deal promptly with child abuse allegations against priests in his diocese was not surprising — the Catholic club adopts a minimalist reaction to all kinds of misbehaviour by its own members, criminal and otherwise.

Reputation is paramount.

There are many members of that church, probably a large majority, who do not support this approach.

But if one rotten apple is allowed to taint the barrel, the blame must be shared by all who allow it; silence is complicity.

Bishop Magee did not make mistakes, he made decisions.

These decisions were a damage limitation exercise made in the full knowledge of what he was doing. His apologies are meaningless as long as he insists on protecting his own position above all else.

If he is allowed to retain his position it can only be seen as support from the Catholic church for his actions.

Pat Burke

Bóthar tSlí Leathain

Baile Átha Cliath 15