A MAN who claims he was sexually abused by a priest in the diocese of Dromore, Co Down, 14 years ago has sent an open letter through his solicitor to the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady.
He claims Dr Brady ignored two appeals to intervene in the case.
However, Dr Brady has rejected the allegations. He has denied that during a meeting last month he relayed a message that he was "too busy" to look into the alleged child abuse.
He also denied receiving a letter from the victim requesting his help. "The alleged victim did not write to me," he said.
He said he had received a letter from a third party about the matter but it would have been inappropriate to deal with this.
A spokesman for the Catholic Press Office said the allegations concerned a priest who was not in Dr Brady's diocese so the investigation was not part of his responsibilities.
The matter was being investigated by church authorities in the Dromore diocese he said.
Dr Brady was directly responsible for the Armagh diocese and, under canon law, bishops had no right to intervene in the internal affairs of another diocese. "Dromore falls outside the archbishop's remit," the spokesman added.
The priest concerned has been relieved of his duties. He strongly denies the allegations made against him and is living with his family until the matter is resolved.
The alleged victim said he came forward because he was frightened the priest might abuse other children. No official complaint was made to the RUC so it was left to the church to investigate the case.
In his open letter, the man said he now intended to pursue the matter through the law.
He said the church's allegedly inadequate response had left him with no other option.
"I wish to prevent any other victim of sexual abuse who seeks redress within the church from ever having to undergo an experience such as mine," he said.
In a statement, Dr Brady said: "Any allegation suggesting improper behaviour towards a minor is always disturbing, more particularly if the alleged perpetrator holds a position of trust and confidence.
"I wish to assure complainants that the Catholic Church responds both rapidly and sensitively to such allegations brought against the clergy.