Bishop Who Said an Alleged Sex Abuse Victim 'Was Living in a Fantasy World' Steps down after 30 Years

Daily Record
May 29, 2013

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/bishop-who-said-alleged-sex-1920463


BISHOP Devine tendered his resignation last year. His office will now be handled by an administrator until a new Bishop of Motherwell is ordained.

A ROMAN Catholic Bishop is to step down after more than 30 years in the role.

The Bishop of Motherwell, Joseph Devine tendered his resignation in August last year on his 75th birthday.

Bishop Devine continued in his post for 10 months as no successor was appointed and his office will now be handled by an administrator until a new Bishop of Motherwell is ordained.

He became a Bishop in 1977 and took the role in Motherwell in May 1983.

A statement from the Diocese of Motherwell said: "He will always have a deep fondness for the people of Lanarkshire and is greatly appreciative of the loyalty, support and generosity that he has received not only from his own congregations but from people of all faiths and none."

In February Cardinal Keith O'Brien stepped down as leader of the Scottish Catholic Church after admitting inappropriate sexual conduct during his church career. He has now left the country for several months, the Vatican said earlier this month.