A report describing in detail failures of church leaders in handling sexual abuse cases in the Archdiocese of Dublin has resulted in calls for bishops’ resignations and further investigations and prosecution. “The Dublin Archdiocese’s preoccupations in dealing with cases of child sexual abuse, at least until the mid-1990s, were the maintenance of secrecy, the avoidance of scandal, the protection of the reputation of the church, and the preservation of its assets,” said the report by the independent Commission of Investigation. “All other considerations, including the welfare of children and justice for victims, were subordinated to these priorities. The archdiocese did not implement its own canon law rules and did its best to avoid any application of the law of the state.” The report said church officials and police colluded in covering up instances of child sexual abuse by clergy.
Resignations Sought After Irish Report
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