Archbishop Martin reaffirms: ‘Strong forces’ oppose emergence of truth about abuse

May 19, 2010

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has reaffirmed that “strong forces” in the Church are opposed to the emergence of the truth about clerical sexual abuse but has strongly denied a press report that he was referring to Pope Benedict, calling the report “a gratuitous misinterpretation made without any grounds.” The archbishop did not respond to challenges that he should identify the "strong forces" of which he had spoken.

“There are still strong forces which would prefer that the truth did not emerge,” Archbishop Martin had said in a milestone May 10 address. “The truth will make us free, even when that truth is uncomfortable. There are signs of subconscious denial on the part of many about the extent of the abuse which occurred within the Church of Jesus Christ in Ireland and how it was covered up. There are other signs of rejection of a sense of responsibility for what had happened. There are worrying signs that despite solid regulations and norms these are not being followed with the rigour required.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Martin reaffirms 'strong forces' warning (RTE)
• Dublin's Archbishop Martin pressed to identify 'strong forces' opposed to candor on abuse (CWN, 5/14)
• Archbishop Martin delivers ‘milestone’ address on future of Church in Ireland (CWN, 5/11)