Dublin: Public dispute between Archbishop Martin, bishop implicated in Murphy report

December 24, 2009

A public dispute has erupted in Dublin between Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Auxiliary Bishop Éamonn Walsh, who was cited in the recent Murphy commission report for his inadequate response to abuse allegations.

Bishop Walsh sent a letter dated December 17 to all priests in his region of the archdiocese stating that Archbishop Martin had expressed his full confidence in his auxiliary bishops’ ministry following the publication of the report. In the letter, Bishop Walsh insisted that he should not resign because of “guilt by association.”

“When asked at the Citywest gathering of priests if he had confidence in his priests and auxiliary bishops, [Archbishop Martin] replied that he had confidence in the ministry they were carrying out,” an archdiocesan spokesperson responded. “He clearly noted, however, that with regard to the auxiliary bishops, he is still evaluating their positions regarding the manner in which they addressed the question of accountability for the implications of the Murphy report … Archbishop Martin does not believe that anyone could interpret his comments as giving unconditional support and he has, indeed, received critical comments for his not offering such support.”

In early January, the archbishop is expected to offer public proposals in response to the Murphy report.

 

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Further information:

• Martin and Walsh at odds as another prelate quits (Irish Independent)
• Pressure on three bishops as Moriarty offers resignation (Irish Times)
• More Irish bishops 'must quit' (BBC)