BBC News
November 27, 2009
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8382942.stm
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| Fr Paul Symonds was relieved of public ministry during the inquiry |
Two priests in the Diocese of Down and Connor have been removed from their ministries pending abuse allegations.
One case involves a priest who was asked to step aside in 2004. That case is subject to an ongoing police investigation.
The other priest, Ballymena-based Father Paul Symonds, stood down from all public ministries last week.Bishop Noel Treanor said he could not make any comment on the cases because the authorities were investigating.
The move comes a day after the findings of the Dublin report into cases of child abuse.
Bishop Treanor said the findings of the report were horrendous.
He said it was a "shameful reminder of the pain and suffering of children at the hand of those who should have protected them".
"As a Church, we must continue to apologise to those who have suffered for our failure to act and to listen to them in their hour of need," he said.
He added that it was important to get to the truth of what happened no matter how "dreadful and painful" it might be.
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| Bishop Noel Treanor said the welfare of children was of "paramount concern" |
It is understood one of the priests who have been stood down is Father Paul Symonds, a curate in the parish of Kirkinriola, Ballymena.'Presumption of innocence'
The 65-year-old was arrested by the Metropolitan Police on Monday.
He was arrested on suspicion of child abuse.
The accusation against Father Paul Symonds dates back to the 1970s when he worked in England.
At the weekend, Bishop Treanor, said the diocese and Fr Symonds were cooperating fully with the investigation.
He added that the welfare of children was the "paramount concern for the diocese".
"Fr Symonds of course continues to enjoy the natural right of every person to the presumption of innocence," the statement continued
"In accordance with the Diocesan Policy of Safeguarding, all concerned are offered appropriate support."
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