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	Archbishop Resigns after Abuse Claim The Utv May 31, 2010 http://www.u.tv/News/Archbishop-resigns-after-abuse-claim/876bd90b-f583-417d-a170-2093af22b988 Richard Burke stepped down from the Archdiocese of Benin in Nigeria earlier this year after a woman, aged in her 40s and now living in Canada, made a complaint against him. The St Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, which the Archbishop was a member of before being appointed to the hierarchy, confirmed his resignation had been accepted by the Vatican. No findings have been made against the Archbishop, one of the most senior Catholic clerics to face allegations of child sex abuse. In a statement the Kiltegan fathers said Archbishop Burke had admitted breaking his vow of celibacy. "He has apologised to all those whom he has hurt by his actions and has taken full personal responsibility for what he has done wrong," the society said. A complaint was made in December 2008 by Dolores Atwood alleging she had been sexually abused when she was 14-years-old by Archbishop Burke, then a priest ministering in Warri Diocese, Nigeria. She claimed she had an ongoing relationship with him afterwards. Archbishop Burke denied the allegation of child sex abuse but admitted having the affair when Ms Attwood was over 18. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome investigated the allegations against the Archbishop. "The investigation of the allegation carried out by our Child Protection Officer in Nigeria found no evidence to corroborate the allegation of child sexual abuse made by Mrs Atwood," the society said. "The relevant civil and ecclesiastical authorities in Nigeria were informed of the allegation. We have had no further communication from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith." The society said it was still in touch with Ms Attwood through a third party. "We are aware that she and her family continue to suffer from the consequences of the relationship," it said. "We have recently agreed to renew our offer of counselling and have expressed again our deep sorrow for the suffering she and her family are going through."
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