Church's actions are disturbing

Independent.ie

Last week it felt as if we were taken back in time by the behaviour of the Catholic Church.

While the Church's reaction to the reduction in VAT on condoms was as disappointing as it was expected, its behaviour towards the Commission investigating the handling by Cardinal Connell and others of complaints of child abuse against clergy in the Dublin archdiocese was disturbing.

I have been a huge admirer of Archbishop Martin's decision to throw open the Church's files to the full scrutiny of the Commission.

Many victims of clerical abuse continue to suffer because the Catholic hierarchy covered up the crimes of individual priests and, in some cases, facilitated further abuse by moving culprits to other parishes.

The Church must be seen to fully confess its culpability in these matters, not obstruct the search for the truth.

Whatever the reasons for Cardinal Connell's claim that certain documents are privileged or confidential, his actions have severely damaged Archbishop Martin's attempts to redeem the hierarchy for its role in protecting paedophiles.

CLLR JOHN KENNY (PD)

MONKSTOWN VALLEY, CO DUBLIN