Churchmen cited in abuse report should have quit

THE publication of the report of the Murphy commission ought to have promptly triggered the instant and simultaneous resignation from their current posts of the surviving bishops and monsignors cited in the report rather than a display of stubborn obduracy in the case of some and silence, evasion and cunning in the case of others.

That gesture would have recognised the gravity of the findings, the pain and damage inflicted on the surviving victims, the premature deaths of those who didn’t survive and the need for a response from the church that attempts to be coherent, comprehensive, credible and effective.

It need not necessarily have precluded the reappointment of some of those concerned. They would then at least enjoy the confidence of their future contribution having been validated in the light of the commission’s findings rather than groping around a grossly dysfunctional organisation whose very survival is threatened. It would also allow the Catholic church organisation in Ireland to define its future.