On 7 January last, I stated that Daniel Duane had been dismissed from the clerical state following a Canonical Trial for the crime of abusing minors and that his appeal of this penalty was rejected by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome. Therefore, he was no longer a priest and could not exercise any form of priestly ministry.
He attempted to make a further appeal to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. I now wish to state that this Canonical Process has ended and Mr Duane’s submission to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been rejected and no further appeal can be made to them in this regard.
Today, I can confirm that the judgement of the Canonical Trial to dismiss Daniel Duane from the clerical state has been upheld.
I would like to reiterate what I said in January, namely, “I am most grateful to the survivors of abuse who had the courage to come forward to tell their stories. This has been a long and painful process for all involved.”
At this time, I wish to reassure the people of the Diocese of Cloyne that comprehensive child safeguarding measures are in place in the Diocese and I thank the safeguarding representative in parishes in the Diocese who are working to ensure that children’s welfare is protected in all Church activities.
I would again encourage any person who may have any child protection concern whether from the past, or the present, to contact the relevant Statutory Authorities or the Diocese through the Designated Liaison Person 086 0368999.
+William Crean
Bishop of Cloyne
Notes for Editors
- For anyone who is affected by clerical abuse please contact Towards Healing, which is an independent organisation providing professional support for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland. Contact number 1800 303416. Hearing impaired text number only: 085 8022859.
- A Designated Liaison Person is someone who has specific responsibility for ensuring effective safeguarding procedures are followed within the diocese. The DLP for the Diocese of Cloyne is Father Patrick Winkle who can be contacted on 086 0368999.
- Towards Peace spiritual support service
Tel: 01 505 3028
- National Office for Safeguarding Children
Tel: 01 505 3124
Fax: 01 505 3026
Website: www.safeguarding.ie
Statutory Agencies
- TUSLA (Child and Family Agency)
Tel: 021-4923516
- Gardaí
Garda National Protective Services Bureau
Tel: 01- 6663369
01 -6663430
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long 00353 (0) 86 172 7678
