Calls for Bishop Murray to resign

Yesterday, while doing research on the crisis of clerical abuse I heard Andrew Madden's story of how he was abused by Fr Ivan Payne. Mr Madden, sadly, is not alone and the twisted way some priests acted in the past is now out in the open. These so-called religious men were guilty of the most awful behaviour towards young children. Listening to what Madden was subjected to was sickening and heartbreaking -his childhood has been trashed.

However the tidal wave of anger towards the clergy needs to be rationalised urgently. The Bishop of Limerick, Donal Murray,is being blamed for the appalling abuse that people such as Andrew Madden had to endure. Is this fair?

It is not. Dr Murray should shoulder a certain amount of the shame that the Catholic church in Ireland is now experiencing. But is the best outcome for him to resign? Notwithstanding the good work of people such as Mary Raftery and the decency of Archbishop Martin,the bishop should not resign.

He has not directly been responsible for any child sexual abuse, despite being in a position of authority.The victims have lost their youth and nothing can bring that back to them. A high profile resignation will not wipe away the terrible things that were done. This Bishop is not without blemish, sacking him would not change things for the better.

Little can be done to change the past, although a code of conduct for all members of the clergy is needed to eliminate any possibility of abuse being repeated.It must be rigorously heeded. In the meantime Bishop Murray ought to speak to the media so we get a clearer picture of his role. Any rush to judgement should be avoided.