Bishop’s stance insults child abuse victims

IN his letter (January 1), Daithí Ó Scannláin says Bishop John Magee is “being lynched by the press and that we don’t know his side of the story”.

I strongly disagree. It has become quite clear from the report by the National Board for Safeguarding Children that serious questions need to be answered by the Catholic Church, and especially by Bishop Magee regarding the lack of protection of children in his diocese.

The psychological and emotional effects of child sexual abuse on the victim are very serious and long-lasting, often enduring for a victim’s entire life and sometimes resulting even in suicide due to loss of self-esteem and guilt feelings around the abuse.

There are many, many dedicated priests who have done, and continue to do, wonderful work who are outraged by such crimes.

When grievous harm is caused to others, real accountability is important. I feel Bishop Magee’s stance is an insult to all those who have been abused in his diocese and in the wider community in other parishes. I took heart from the walk by Fr Michael Mernagh from Cobh to Dublin. This gave me a glimmer of hope there might be some atonement for the hurt caused. A tiny footprint on the long road to healing.

Catherine Scanlan

‘Suaimhneas’

6A Douglas Drive

Pic-du-Jer Park

Ballinlough

Cork