By Nonee Walsh
ABC News
April 28, 2011
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/04/28/3202798.htm?section=justin
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| Bishop Toohey surprised Catholic circles with his resignation two years ago. |
[with video and link to personal statement from the bishop]
A recently retired bishop has become the most senior member of the Catholic Church in Australia to admit to inappropriate behaviour.
A statement from Christopher Toohey, who was bishop of Wilcannia Forbes in the far west of New South Wales, describes his behaviour as "not that required of a good person".
"Since resigning as bishop ... in 2009 and living in retirement now, I have had the time to reflect back on my life," he said in the statement.
"My behaviour within the context of my relationships with some young adults in my pastoral care during the early years of my ministry was not consistent with that required of a good person.
"I sincerely regret the hurt I have caused to these people and their families."
Bishop Toohey says in light of his reflections, he will not be returning to any active ministry in the church.
He has expressed regret for the hurt he says he has caused those people and their families.
His expression of regret is consistent with a mediated agreement reached through the church's 'Towards Healing' processes.
A spokesman for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Father Brian Lucas, says he understands it was the result of negotiations with an unnamed woman.
Bishop Toohey served as a deacon to St Patrick's Seminary in Manly and in the Merrylands parish before his ordination in 1982, and spent 28 years as a priest.
He directed the Catholic Adult Education Centre and was known as the 'eco-bishop' in his decade-long posting as bishop of Wilcannia Forbes.
Bishop Toohey surprised Catholic circles with his resignation two years ago.
The statement does not spell out what Bishop Toohey's hurtful behaviour was, but the Catholic Church says there are no criminal matters involved.
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