Irish bishop resigns over boy-sex cleric, had tried everything but dismissing him!

DUBLIN

ONE of Ireland's most popular bishops has resigned over allegations that he protected a paedophile priest.

Bishop Brendan Comiskey, who represented the diocese of Ferns in south-east Ireland, announced his decision on Monday [April 1 2002] -- a day before a documentary was to be shown in Ireland about Father Sean Fortune, who sexually abused dozens of boys in the 1980s and 1990s.

Father Fortune committed suicide in 1999, just before he was to stand trial.

[PICTURE above heading, double-column, of man wearing Roman collar.]

Bishop Comiskey: Will hand his resignation personally to the Vatican this week. -- AP

"I found Father Fortune virtually impossible to deal with," Bishop Comiskey said.

"I confronted him regularly; for a time I removed him from the ministry. I sought professional advice in several quarters. I listened to criticisms and praises. I tried compassion and I tried firmness. Treatment was sought and arranged."

But his efforts had not been good enough. Bishop Comiskey said: "I should have adopted a more informed and more concerned effort in my dealings with him and for this I ask forgiveness."

He said he would present his resignation in person to the Vatican this week. --ASSOCIATED PRESS

"Bishop resigns over sex cleric," The West Australian, Wednesday April 3 2002, p 25

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B: Fathers would make best "Fathers"; how to select clergy Mar 4 02
F: Paying for sins of the fathers Weekend Australian Mar 2-3 02
K: Hoopmann, Queensland Lutheran Pastor, denies sex charge The West Australian Mar 6 02
L: Father Geoghan -- Deal close on $60m U.S. sex payout [later $10m] The West Australian Mar 7 02

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!!! Bishop resigns over Irish boy-sex cleric, tried everything but dismissal! The West Australian Apr 3 02
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Article © 2002 West Australian Newspapers Limited All Rights Reserved.
The West Home at http://www.thewest.com.au/ E-mail: letters@wanews.com.au
(FLAG by courtesy of http://www.edwardmooney.com/miniflags WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL)
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