The Journal
August 23, 2011
http://www.thejournal.ie/poll-how-do-you-feel-about-bishops-magees-apology-207805-Aug2011/
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| Andrew Parsons/PA Archive/Press Association Images |
FORMER BISHOP DR John Magee issued an apology yesterday to the victims of clerical sex abuse in his diocese, in his first interview since going to ground after the Cloyne report was published.
Magee said that he took "full responsibility for the failure of the diocese to effectively manage allegations on child sexual abuse," and "unreservedly" apologised to victims. He also offered to meet with victims in private.
Today, there has been mixed reaction to his apology. While bishops have welcomed his words, victim support group One in Four said that it was not happy with the apology. Chief executive of the group, Maeve Lewis, claimed that Magee had been aware of many of the allegations – but was now attempting to say he was not.
She told victims who may take up Magee's offer to meet that such meetings could be "quite intimidating" and advised them to bring a family member or therapist with them.
Meanwhile, some of the victims of clercial sexual abuse in the diocese have dismissed Magee's apology as "empty" and "insincere".
What do you think – did Magee's apology go far enough?
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