REACTION TO FERNS REPORT

Madam, - Dr Mary C. King writes (October 27th) that in view of the content of the Ferns Report all Roman Catholic clerical members of school boards of management should resign and that no priest should accept office in education management for a period of 10 years.

There is a strong danger that, at a time when understanding and sympathy should be extended to the vast majority of entirely innocent clerics, the kind of response suggested by Dr King will considerably worsen the horrendous damage already caused by child sexual abuse by depriving our schools of capable, well-intentioned servants. Should all teachers resign for 10 years because of the many incidents of child sexual abuse by lay teachers? Should all sport coaches be forced to retire because of the many incidents of child sexual abuse throughout our sporting bodies?

There is no doubt that incompetent management and a complete failure to understand the problem contributed to the ease with which a minority of the clergy brought disgrace to the Church by committing the greatest of all sins. However, the Church is assuming responsibility for the wrongdoing of its rogue employees in a much more significant way than other employers in our society. Is the Department of Education atoning and paying significant compensation to the victims of its lay employees on the same scale? Are sporting bodies assuming responsibility for the actions of their abusers, or do victims have to chase penniless monsters through the courts themselves for financial compensation?

The Catholic Church in Ireland is addressing this matter in a manner which exceeds normal expectations of responsibility for the actions committed by an employee. As the primary source of our spiritual direction in this country it is right the the Church should surpass the normal employer-employee standards and that it should atone deeply for the terrible wrongs committed by a few and pay adequate compensation to the victims. It would be wholly wrong, however, to punish the vast majority of clerics who selflessly serve their flock or for anyone to use this terrible tragedy to serve an anti-church agenda. - Yours, etc,

GERARD LEAHY, Main Street, Listowel, Co Kerry.

Madam, - We, the executive of the School Chaplains' Association of Ireland, wish publicly to acknowledge the dedicated service given to our association by priests and religious in Ireland over many years.

In the light of the Ferns Report we wish to express our support and prayers to the following:

1. To victims/survivors of child sexual abuse and your families; in the course of justice being done we hope you will find peace and healing.

2. To the many committed priests and religious; in this difficult time we value your ongoing guidance and support.

As chaplains (lay and religious) who journey with young people on a daily basis we reaffirm our commitment to the protection and welfare of children. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who suffer at this time. - Yours, etc,

Br PADRAIG McDONALD, Chairperson;

DIANE BROWNE, Secretary;

Fr ARNOLD ROSNEY, Treasurer;

NOREEN DONEGAN,

JAMES EVANS,

CORA GUINNANE,

Fr SEAMUS MADIGAN,

ANNE ROGERS,

School Chaplains' Association, Gortreagh, Co Limerick.