Courage required on Bethany

Protestant church leaders have historically looked ‘the other way’, when it came to dealing with the abuse and neglect children were subjected to in their institutions.

Why is this the case? Is it a lack of Christianity, or could it be they feel uncomfortable in the State of Ireland? Are they cocooned in a time-warp with the battles and ignorance of the past?

While writing an article for a national paper, the now retired Archbishop John O’Neill was very concerned Protestant denominations should not say anything that would be offensive to Catholic organisations in relation to the abuse scandals that had come to light. Yet the same archbishop permitted Dr Michael Woods, then Minister for Education, to negotiate behind closed doors with Catholic religious orders, on how to deal with the abuse which had taken place in their institutions. Unfortunately, the Protestant leaders and organisations did not lobby for survivors from their homes. The State had a duty of care to all citizens, and Protestant church leaders had an onus to make sure this responsibility was being exercised. That did not happen.