Cape Breton Post
May 5, 2011
http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2011-05-05/article-2483018/Bishop-urges-followers-to-stand-strong-in-wake-of-sexual-abuse-scandal/1
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| Bishop Brian Dunn of the Diocese of Antigonish held a press conference in Antigonish on Thursday. |
ANTIGONISH — The bishop of Nova Scotia's second-largest Catholic diocese urged Thursday that followers come together to create a new atmosphere and new attitudes as the church continues its struggle with sexual abuse within its ranks.
"I am humbled at the commitment, faith and strength of all those who have continued to find ways to be faithful in the midst of these troubled times," said Bishop Brian Dunn of the Diocese of Antigonish.
His comments came a day after Bishop Raymond Lahey, 70, who formerly headed the diocese that covers the seven counties of northeastern Nova Scotia, pleaded guilty in an Ottawa courtroom to importing child pornography. He will be sentenced May 26.
Lahey will receive a jail sentence and Wednesday began serving his time after voluntarily requesting he be jailed in advance of his formal sentencing. It was a decision Dunn said he applauded.
After completing his sentence, Lahey will also be subject to discipline from the church.
Dunn, who took over from Lahey approximately 17 months ago, held a press conference in Antigonish on Thursday to comment on the latest development in a sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the church to its core.
Dunn said attendance in some parishes has declined as a result of the actions of Lahey and numerous other priests.
"I have certainly come to appreciate how deeply this has affected so many people and at so many levels," Dunn said in a prepared statement that will be read in all parishes this weekend.
"To those who have found it necessary to absent themselves from our faith communities, I will continue to work to regain your trust and remind you of how much we miss your presence," he said.
Lahey was arrested after border agents searched a laptop computer when he arrived in Ottawa on a flight from London in September 2009. The computer, among other things, held 588 disturbing images of pornography involving young boys.
"As a church, we condemn pornography in all its forms," said Dunn, adding that child porn is especially repugnant because of the lasting consequences on a person's childhood.
Lahey's arrest came only weeks after he announced a $15-million settlement offering for all people who were abused by priests in the diocese.
The settlement agreement was spearheaded by Sydney resident Ron Martin whose brother's suicide stemmed in large part from the abuse he suffered at the hands of priest when he was a child.
Dunn said Thursday that after Lahey's arrest, he reviewed the terms of the settlement and continues to feel it is a fair and responsible offering.
Although he hasn't recently talked with Martin, Dunn said he plans to speak with the Sydney man soon and hopefully arrange a time for a reconciliation service.
"Today, I would like to express my solidarity with those who are hurting and promise that I will continue to work toward healing, reconciliation and reform," said Dunn.
The settlement offer has attracted 140 claims from people who say they were abused. The first payments will be released by the end of May followed by an additional payout by the end of November with a final payment issuance in November 2012.
In addition, the diocese is also facing six civil suits filed by people who did not want to be part of the negotiated settlement.
Dunn will deliver his message of reconciliation over the next six weeks as he travels to some 30 parishes to perform the ceremony of confirmation.
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