Sir, – The response by Bishop Magee to the Cloyne report and his failure to meet the victims of clerical abuse seems very weak. He is still under-reacting to what is a serious finding that he misled the government by claiming there was full compliance with guidelines of child protection and that clerical abuse cases were being reported to the Garda. He issues a statement of apology and asks for privacy at this time, yet he has not fully dealt with the issue.
Those offended are asking to meet him. Who else should have his attention at this time if not these victims of clerical sexual abuse? Without this meeting there can be no closure for those most affected and he renders himself accused of being a coward. Placing yourself before those offended may be uncomfortable but far less so than the abuse these victims experienced during his “watch”.
Unless he deals properly with the matter his words appear as an empty apology and he continues to be seen as placing himself and his feelings first. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Bishop John Magee finally faced the media on Monday, regarding the horrific findings of the Cloyne report. This report was published on July 13th, 2011. Bishop Magee waited 41 days before he was seen or heard of in public since the publication of a report which made shocking revelations about his failure to correctly handle allegations of clerical child sex abuse or, to implement child protection guidelines.
Ireland waited for 41 long days before Bishop Magee finally emerged to offer bland, pathetic, predictable words and well-worn phrases as answers to questions.
Restitution for victims was, according to the bishop, “a matter for the diocese”. He concluded his statement with a request to be allowed to live in peace after 23 years service as a bishop. If only it were possible for the victims of his former diocese who were subjected to rape, sexual assault, molestation and torment by priests to have the same peace.
I can but hope the State will now endeavour to give some peace to the victims by bringing Bishop John Magee to justice regarding the allegations made against him in the Cloyne report. With great power comes great responsibility and it is now time for Bishop Magee to be held accountable, according to civil law, for his failures. – Yours, etc,