Ireland: Sex abuse investigation continues, bishop defiant, despite comments by prelates

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Catholic Culture (Catholic; American; Independent) 07 / Jan / 2009; South African Catholic (affiliated)06/01/2009 )

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Irish government is expected to expand a probe into sexual abuse by clergy, and the alleged mishanding of this: by certain clergy in Ireland: icluding one bishop: Bishop John Magee of the Diocese of Cloyne, who has been slated in the press: as not obeying church, or state suggestions: and whose actions have been questioned by two prelates:

Cardinal Sean Brady of the Archdiocese of Armagh, and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

The Latter prelate: has said that it is up to Bishop: John Magee; whether or not to resign, but a news survey found many thought he had lost the moral high ground needed for the job.

Government plans to further the investigation, have met a mixed reaction. Those supporting the embattled Bishop of Cloyne: have accused an investigating body: commissioned by the church to look into the issue: of falsely slandering the bishop.

The Catholic church in Ireland, apparently: is making great leaps towards accountability, having recently: published documents on sexual abuse cases.

Cases in the Catholic church, are some of the lowest in the world, the reason why these have warranted so much public attention, is that these were often mishandled on a local level. Those objecting, were quieted.

Since Pope Benedict XVI has entered office: his public apology: has been mirrored throughout the world: including by a recent penance walk: by an Irish Priest, who wanted to walk for the reparation of his fellows: for their sin against God and church. Real progress: is now being made: towards quenching this, and other scandals: which have rocked the western world.

Benedict XVI: has always been famed for a diplomatic ability: recently epitomized in Liturgical changes: including the exclusion of the word ____ (The name of God: given to Abraham: and kept via verbal tradition) from public worship, for the Jews, and a return to a more direct translation of the Mass: to acomodate the SSPX: a group whose leaders, and founder are excommunicated.

Benedict XVI: is praised both for diplomacy, as well as for his symbolic, and practical combating of the sexual abuse scandal. The Irish Bishops, do not appear to be standing by the Bishop: John Magee, who has raised public anger.

They also: have not attempted a forced resignation: rather: they are leaving the situation in the hands of the Police, and of the Bishop, and Vatican.

The government recently asked: that all priests sign that they will obey child protection regulations. The Church itself agrees with this: and investigations, and findings: are by those commissioned by them.

A seeming move to transparency and openness: in Ireland: is a great improvement on this issue. In many parts of the world: priests, and bishops have joined a renewal: of teaching sound Catholic doctrine and ethics.