Monday 1st April 2002

"The tragedy of child abuse in Churches in many parts of the world, including Ireland, is one of the greatest evils to have affected the Christian community in recent generations. The manner in which it is handled is a matter constantly under review, and all sections of society have made serious mistakes in this regard in the past. Those who have suffered must never be forgotten, or made to feel that they are not of great concern.

"It is very sad for me, and for many others in the diocese of Ferns, that the handling of this issue has made the position of Bishop Brendan Comiskey so difficult that he has felt the need to resign.

"Bishop Brendan has been a friend to the Church of Ireland community, and has encouraged co-operation at every level. He has bee a courageous pioneer in ecumenical relations. We have admired the welcome that he has given members of the Church of Ireland on every possible occasion. This cannot be easily forgotten. Those in inter-church marriages have met with great understanding, and our two churches have been able to agree in this once difficult area. Bishop Brendan leaves a unique ecumenical legacy.

"I pray that Brendan will be remembered with love for all that he has achieved, and for his honesty in facing difficult personal problems. I will miss him as a fellow bishop in the diocese, and I pray that God will give him strength at this very sad time."