Irish bishops apologize as thousands march to support abuse victims

June 10, 2009

As the Irish Catholic bishops gathered at Maynooth for a meeting that focused primarily on the "Ryan Report" detailing a history of abuse in Church-run institutions, thousands of people marched through Dublin in a demonstration of solidarity with the abuse victims. At the conclusion of their meeting the Irish bishops released a report that said in part:

The Ryan Report represents the most recent disturbing indictment of a culture that was prevalent in the Catholic Church in Ireland for far too long. Heinous crimes were perpetrated against the most innocent and vulnerable, and vile acts with life-lasting effects were carried out under the guise of the mission of Jesus Christ. This abuse represents a serious betrayal of the trust which was placed in the Church. For this we ask forgiveness. We are ashamed, humbled and repentant that our people strayed so far from their Christian ideals.

 

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Further information:

• Solidarity march for abuse victims (RTE)
• Thousands march in solidarity with abuse victims (Irish Times)
• Irish Bishops' Conference