Press Releases
Statement by Rt Revd Peter F Barrett, Bishop of Ferns, on the publication of the Ferns Report
UNITED DIOCESES OF CASHEL, WATERFORD, LISMORE, OSSORY FERNS AND LEIGHLIN
STATEMENT BY RT REVD PETER F BARRET
At this time of the publication of the Ferns Report, I wish to renew my expression of empathy, prayer and support for all who have suffered and are still suffering from the reprehensible actions revealed in its pages.
To Bishop Eamonn Walsh, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ferns, I also reaffirm my support and prayer for the faithful clergy and parishioners of the Diocese, who equally appalled by its contents, must not in any way be associated with its grave information at this time of profound distress.
We must all renew our efforts to defend and to develop the rights of children and vulnerable young adults to be nurtured in the love of God in a caring and safe context, free from any threat of abuse or misuse.
Such an attitude of responsibility must fully support all due legal process whenever such trust is abused, in association with the appropriate treatment of the perpetrator.
In all things, the compassionate and practical provision of caring attention to the needs of the abused and their families must be the paramount concern in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and for the sake of His Kingdom.