Clarification on Recent Press Coverage, Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford, March 15, 2011

Clarification on Recent Press Coverage

Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford
March 15, 2011

http://www.salforddiocese.org.uk/diocesan-news/70-latest-news/1815-clarification-on-recent-press-coverage

There has recently been coverage in the press about allegations made against Mgr Thomas Duggan, Rector of St Bede's College 60 years ago. The Manchester Evening News has published an article about allegations that Mgr Duggan physically and sexually abused some pupils during their time at the school.

The following is the statement from the bishop, sent to the press and other agencies:

I am shocked and saddened by the complaints from some former pupils of St Bede's College which have been brought to the attention of our Safeguarding Commission. The complaints have been made against the late Monsignor Thomas Duggan and relate to the period of time from the 1950s to the mid-1960s, when St Bede's was a diocesan school. Although it is not suggested that there was a culture of institutional abuse at St Bede's, nevertheless the abusive behaviour which has been reported has no place within the Catholic Church. I acknowledge and am deeply sorry for the pain and distress reported to have been suffered by those affected.

Rt. Rev. Terence Brain

Bishop of Salford

After the statement, there is a note that gives the opportunity for anyone with concerns to get in touch with the Safeguarding Commission:

Any individual with any concerns or disclosures about the late Monsignor Thomas Duggan is encouraged to contact, in confidence, the Safeguarding Coordinator of the Diocese of Salford, Father Barry O'Sullivan, who can be contacted by telephone on 0161 817 2206 or by e-mail on safeguarding@dioceseofsalford.org.uk.

For the purposes of clarity, it should be stated that when this distressing issue was raised with the Safeguarding Commission, the police were immediately informed. However, since there was no documentary evidence to support any of the claims, the police have not pursued the issue.

The Safeguarding Commission of the Diocese of Salford has a series of robust policies and procedures in place for dealing with any type of allegation concerning children and vulnerable adults and when appropriate, liaises with a GMP Detective from the Public Protection Unit who also serves as an advisor to the Commission.