Statement following meeting between bishops and survivors of institutional abuse

11 Dec 2009

PRESS RELEASE
11 December 2009

Statement following meeting between bishops and survivors of institutional abuse

On 7 October last an historic meeting took place in Maynooth between representatives of four survivor groups (Right to Peace, Alliance Support Group, Irish SOCA, and Right of Place) and the Irish Bishops’ Conference.

At that meeting it was decided that a representative group of bishops would continue to meet and dialogue with survivors.

Representatives of the survivors groups named above joined by Patrick Walsh (Irish SOCA), today met with the representative group of bishops – Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Bishop John McAreavey, Bishop of Dromore, Bishop John Buckley, Bishop of Cork and Ross and Bishop John Fleming, Bishop of Killala, in Maynooth. The meeting was cordial and constructive.

After today’s meeting the representative group of bishops stated that they wish to be as inclusive as possible in reaching out and engaging with survivors. They also stated that they wish their approach to be part of a whole-church response and will be meeting with leaders of religious congregations to make progress on this matter.

The bishops at their December meeting, which took place in Maynooth on 9 and 10 December, decided to provide funding to support services to survivors.

Commenting on today’s meeting Bishop Colm O’Reilly said: “Today our task was to devise a road map for the future and that is what we have done”.

ENDS

For further information
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer 087 310 4444