Episcopal letters - A campaign of damage limitation

Throughout dioceses in the country yesterday the hierarchy engaged in a major campaign of damage limitation and reassurance to a faithful who have had their faith in the Church rocked by the horrific revelations of child sexual abuse.

The public reaction by Catholics to episcopal letters read at most churches in response to proven and imputed child sexual abuse, in the wake of the Ferns Report, was seemingly sympathetic, but there were, understandably, exceptions.

In Clonakilty, Co Cork, the prevailing anger and shock that has been revealed, was reflected by Fr Gerard Galvin, who refused to read out the letter from Bishop John Buckley to his congregation, although he made copies available for those who wanted them.