Irish bishop at center of sex-abuse dispute is expected to resign

December 07, 2009

An Irish bishop who took the brunt of the criticism in a public report on the mishandling of sex-abuse complaints in the Dublin archdiocese has traveled to Rome, where he is expected to submit his resignation.

Bishop Donal Murray of Limerick—who was an auxiliary bishop in the Dublin archdiocese during the period covered by the “Murphy Commission” report, and was said to have acted “inexcusably” to reports of abuse—had indicated that he was weighing his future and asking himself whether he would be a “help or hindrance” to the Church in Ireland. Before leaving for Rome he asked his people for special prayers, saying that he would need them “this week.” His parishioners in Limerick indicated their support.

Questioned about Bishop Murray’s situation, Cardinal Sean Brady of Armagh told RTE News that he was confident the bishop would “do the right thing.” Like Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin, Cardinal Brady said that any bishops who participated in a cover-up of sexual abuse should seriously reconsider their positions.

 

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Further information:

• Bishop Murray resignation expected (RTE)
• Bishop’s Defence: Parishioners Speak Out (Irish Times)
• Bishop Donal Murray ‘to resign over abuse report’ (BBC)
• Donal Murray expected to tender resignation in front of pope over abuse in Dublin diocese (Guardian)
• Cardinal confident bishop will ‘do the right thing’ (Irish Times)