NORTHERN IRELAND
BBC News
A Catholic bishop has praised parishoners for the way they responded to their local priest who is at the centre of sex abuse allegations.
Dr Seamus Hegarty told parishioners at St Patrick's Church, Dungiven, on Sunday that he admired and commended their understanding and forgiveness.
Last week, Father Andy McCluskey told the congregation that he was behind a sex abuse allegation 12 years ago.
He told them he had made a mistake for which he was paying dearly.
Dr Hegarty also prayed for the man who made the allegations against Fr McCluskey.
It is understood a five figure compensation pay-out had been made without admission of liability.
Posted by kshaw at January 30, 2005 09:24 AM