A small group of protestors handed in a letter at the papal nuncio’s residence in Dublin today in protest at the pope’s refusal to accept the resignations of two Irish bishops.
The letter calls on Pope Benedict to reverse his decision not to accept the resignations of auxiliary bishops Eamonn Walsh and Ray Field.
Both bishops had tendered their resignations on Christmas Eve after coming under intense pressure from the media and victims’ groups over their handling of clerical child sex abuse claims.
The letter, handed in by catholic activists this afternoon, states that the pope’s action has caused “extensive hurt and outrage among survivors of clerical abuse and among the catholic faithful.”
Addressing the pope, the letter says, “this refusal shows once again that you consider the preservation of church structures a priority over the demands of truth.”
It goes on to say that the pope’s refusal to accept the resignation of the two bishops “undermines the apostolic authority of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin” who it says has been “an outstanding witness for integrity in his reaction to the Murphy report.”
News of the Vatican’s decision came to light earlier this week in a letter sent by Archbishop Martin to his priests, dealing mainly confirmation arrangements.
In a two-line reference to the auxiliary bishops, the letter said that: “Following the presentation of their resignations to Pope Benedict, it has been decided that Bishop Eamonn Walsh and Bishop Raymond Field will remain as Auxiliary Bishops and are to be assigned revised responsibilities within the diocese.”
The two bishops had been continuing in their normal duties pending the decision.
The protest letter was received at the gate of Archbishop Leanza’s residence by a female member of his staff. She said that papal nuncio was not at home but assured protestors that the letter would be forwarded to Rome.
Signatory of the letter, catholic activist Brendan Butler said “this is like a slap on the wrist for Archbishop Martin.” He said “if the pope will not accept the bishop’s resignations, the bishops should step aside themselves”
Referring to the forthcoming apostolic visitation to Ireland, the letter says the pope’s refusal to accept the resignations “seriously undermines trust in the credibility” of the visit.
A protestor, who did not wish to be named, said she was there in sympathy with friends who had suffered abuse at the hands of the clergy. She said: “the resignations have not been accepted because if some bishops accept accountability, others will be forced to follow suit. The church knows how dangerous that could be.”
Protestor John McEvoy said that the pope’s refusal to accept the resignations “left Archbishop Martin in an awkward position.” He said “it’s tragic to see our church damaged like this. Accepting the resignations would have been an opportunity for the church to renew itself.”
