Sir, – The newly enthroned Archbishop of Armagh Dr Richard Clarke said in an interview on RTÉ radio (December 23rd) that the Bethany Home in Dublin has not crossed his “radar”. He also said (prefaced with “I am not saying this evasively”), that it was not “technically” a Church of Ireland home. However, Dr Clarke started the interview by associating himself with the work of Barnardos, also not technically part of the Church of Ireland.
The former residents of the Bethany Home would appreciate it if Dr Clarke could associate himself and his office in a tangible manner with the Bethany Home campaign. In addition to a pledge of support, Dr Clarke could visit Mount Jerome Cemetery in Dublin, where 219 Bethany children lie in adjoining plots in unmarked graves. Most were members of the Church of Ireland. Most who survived Bethany were also members of the Church of Ireland. If Dr Clarke would like to meet us to arrange this, such an invitation would be most welcome. – Yours, etc,