By Ken McGregor
Adelaide Now
September 15, 2011
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/flock-shocked-by-rape-accusations-levelled-against-monsignor-ian-dempsey/story-e6frea83-1226137278544
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| Monsignor Ian Dempsey, with members of his Brighton Parish, responds to Senator Nick Xenophon's allegations of rape made against him under parliamentary privilege. Picture: Kelly Barnes |
PARISHIONERS at Monsignor Ian Dempsey's Catholic churches at Hallett Cove and Brighton are shocked by the accusations levelled at their priest.
Monsignor Dempsey has "categorically denied" accusations he raped John Hepworth - a former Catholic priest and now leader of a breakaway Anglican offshoot - 45 years ago.
Students at St Martin de Porres School, where the Hallett Cove church is located, found their 9.30am mass, normally taken by Mr Dempsey, had been cancelled upon arrival.
"I have been following the case in the news but I never expected it would lead to my doorstep," said Luke Riches, whose son is a student.
"It is a shock; they are just allegations but the school will receive a backlash I expect."
Another parent, Chames Rameh, said she was surprised by the news.
"The church and school has not told us anything but I can understand why they would not have at that time," she said.
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"It is definitely not a good feeling."
Principal John Ward yesterday said he had been contacted by the Catholic Archdiocese on Tuesday night and told of the allegations.
Monsignor Dempsey is also the president of Marymount College Girls Middle School and dined with Governor Kevin Scarce at Government House earlier this year.
Parish Pastoral Council chairwoman Judy Fernandez said she had never questioned Monsignor Dempsey's integrity. "Monsignor Dempsey truly is a good shepherd," she said.
Monsignor Dempsey has been parish priest at Brighton since 2000 and also serves as parish priest of Hallett Cove.
Prior to that he was Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Adelaide for five years.
The besieged clergyman yesterday said he was taking a month's leave, which had already been arranged before the allegations made by Bishop Hepworth surfaced publicly last weekend - and he was named by Senator Nick Xenophon in Parliament on Tuesday night.
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