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	Church Responds to Senator Xenophon's Sexual Abuse Allegations ABC September 14, 2011 http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3317804.htm [with audio] MARK COLVIN: The priest at the centre of an alleged sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church has made a statement to the media, and the Adelaide Archbishop has come to his defence. Monsignor Ian Dempsey refused to take any questions after reading his prepared statement. Senator Nick Xenophon last night used parliamentary privilege to name Monsignor Dempsey as an alleged rapist. Monsignor Dempsey categorically denied the allegations, but Senator Xenophon is standing by his decision to name the priest in Parliament. Nance Haxton reports. NANCE HAXTON: A visibly shaken Monsignor Ian Dempsey today fronted the media throng to deny the allegations that he is a rapist. He gave a considered statement in front of his Brighton Parish Presbytery. IAN DEMPSEY: Following yesterday's developments I wish to state that I am aware of John Hepworth's unsubstantiated allegations against me, through an inquiry instigated by the Archbishop of Adelaide. I have made it clear in writing to the inquiry that I categorically deny the allegations, which I note, are said to relate to events that occurred some 45 years ago and they have nothing at all to do with under-aged people. As the inquiry is ongoing I have nothing further to say at this point, apart from denying the allegations. NANCE HAXTON: He then told the media he will take a month's leave. Last night Senator Nick Xenophon used parliamentary privilege to name Monsignor Ian Dempsey as the alleged rapist of Archbishop John Hepworth. Archbishop Hepworth alleges he was repeatedly raped by three priests over a 12-year period, while training in a Catholic seminary, but that only one is still alive. Interestingly, Monsignor Ian Dempsey did not make mention of Senator Xenophon in his statement. Judy Fernandez from the Brighton Parish Council defended their priest of ten years. JUDY FERNANDEZ: We greatly regret that Senator Xenophon has chosen to make this such a public matter, when the process of investigation is still underway. We fully support Monsignor Dempsey, who categorically denies the allegation, in his cooperation with the Archdiocesan investigation. And we will do all we can for the parish through this difficult time. NANCE HAXTON: Former judge and Brighton parishioner Brian Crowe choked back tears as he stood by Monsignor Ian Dempsey at the press conference. BRIAN CROWE: In the vernacular you might say he's a good bloke, that would be his standing in the community. He's certainly been an excellent parish priest. He's very highly regarded throughout the parish and well loved. NANCE HAXTON: Senator Xenophon today stood by his decision to name the priest under parliamentary privilege in the Senate last night. NICK XENOPHON: Parliamentary privilege is a very serious matter, it is a matter that needs to be taken with the utmost seriousness and I am grateful to the president for reminding me of the rules, but I'm well aware of the rules as to parliamentary privilege and its importance. Where there are serious allegations made and of course there is an absolute presumption of innocence, but where there are serious allegations made, in similar circumstances, what occurs as a general rule is that a priest is stood down in on administrative leave, pending an appropriate investigation. Now, I really think that the ball has been very much in the Catholic Church in South Australia's court on this issue and I don't think that the process has been adequate. NANCE HAXTON: Archbishop John Hepworth says he is now considering taking the matter to the police. JOHN HEPWORTH: I was contacted to see if the police could do anything more for me and I have agreed to return to that conversation later in the week when I see how things have panned out. But obviously, since the Diocese is still at a preliminary stage, that option is still on my table. NANCE HAXTON: But the Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson says Senator Xenophon was wrong to name the priest and defended the church's handling of the matter. PHILIP WILSON: I'm deeply distressed that Senator Xenophon has named the priest in Parliament. There was no need for him to do so, especially when this would appear not to have been Archbishop Hepworth's wish. There have never been any suggestions of danger to people in the parish having the priest present and the investigation is well underway. The damage to the priest's reputation is obvious and severe and in my opinion, this serves to undermine the presumption of innocence, which all of us are entitled to enjoy. Aside from that, the distress to the parish is enormous. What has happened is unfair and unjust - however my concern now is to ensure the investigation continues; that it remains transparent and independent and that it is brought to a speedy conclusion in the normal and appropriate way. That is what occurred to date and I pray that the events of the past few days will not interfere with that process. MARK COLVIN: The Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson ending Nance Haxton's report.
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