Keeping the flock
•Fr Kevin Reynolds has claimed that apologies for defamation by media reporters were "not sincere". How ironic this is given that this is exactly the response by senior clergy into clerical abuse cases -- the major difference being that it was not a professional reputation that was damaged but the physical integrity and psychological well-being of children.
The other notable difference is that financial restitution for Fr Reynolds far outstrips that for the average abuse victim.
A new band of brothers, aligned with appropriate nuns and lay people, could provide spiritual leadership for those Catholics in the Republic who wish to belong, as well as believe.
But for too long there has been a general silence within the clergy about the clerical abuse findings, and the senior leaders have shown they are reluctant to make amends.
What is needed is an unprecedented commitment to place the rights of those they purport to serve -- the parishioners -- above those of the clergy and the Vatican. However, this year's Cloyne Report demonstrated that previous recommendations have not been implemented, and the quality of existing leadership does not inspire confidence.
Whilst the clergy now claim that there is unfair and biased media reporting, they are still slow to put their house in order despite decades of advice on how to ensure a safe and supportive service for children.
Marie Parker Jenkins
Professor of Education
University of Limerick
Irish Independent
