Irish archbishop: perception of widespread abuse is unjust to good priests

November 14, 2011

The people of Ireland have been misled about the extent of sexual abuse by priests, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has said.

Speaking at a Mass for deceased priests, the archbishop referred to a recent survey in which many respondents said that they thought 20% of all priests had been accused of abuse. (The actual figure is about 4%.) Media coverage is partially responsible for that exaggerated reaction, he said. “The horror we all experience at the dreadful reality of abuse in no ways justifies such injustice to the entire body of priests in this diocese and in this country,”

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop says people 'misled' on sex abuse (Irish Times)
• Survey finds Irish public exaggerates incidence of abuse (CWN, 11/02)