Australian bishop presses colleague to answer 'cover-up' charges
June 21, 2010
Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide, Australia, has been urged by an outspoken colleague to come forward with information about an accused predator priest.
Bishop Michael Malone of Maitland-Newcastle, who has been consistently critical of other Church leaders for their handling of sex-abuse allegations, joined the calls for Archbishop Wilson to clarify what he knew about the misbehavior of the late Denis McAlinden, a laicized priest who was accused of multiple incidents of sexual assault. Archbishop Wilson has been charged with covering up McAlinden’s crimes, after reportedly learning about them in 1995, not long before he was named a bishop. Bishop Malone said that Archbishop Wilson should certainly have been aware of McAlinden’s misdeeds, “but whether sufficient was known to act on them is a point that needs to be clarified by Philip Wilson seriously." he said.
Bishop Malone himself has a history of tension with the Vatican. Last year he asked for a coadjutor bishop, indicating that he hoped for an early retirement. To date the Vatican has not named a coadjutor.
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Further information:
- Bishop Malone urges archbishop to seize agenda on 'cover up' (Cathnews)
- Australian bishop seeks coadjutor, eyes early retirement (CWN 9/21/2009)
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