Sex Abuse Victim Branded a "Fantasist" by Catholic Bishop Joseph Devine Says He's Delighted Cleric Has Retired

By Chris Clements
Daily Record
May 31, 2013

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/sex-abuse-victim-who-branded-1922919


A MAN who says he was molested by priests yesterday welcomed news that a ­Catholic bishop who called him a fantasist has retired.

Pat McEwan, 63, was branded an alcoholic and accused of “living in a fantasy world” by Bishop Joseph Devine after he came forward with ­allegations that he was raped as a boy between 1958 and 1961.

Pat said he was elated that the senior churchman had quit.

He added: “I’m delighted that he is gone. But his claim that I’m a fantasist is still there.

“He lacks compassion and is a very arrogant man. I do think his leaving now has a lot to do with my case.”

The bishop tendered his resignation last August when he turned 75 but he was asked to remain as the church looked for his replacement.

However, it was announced on Wednesday that he will now step down after 30 years in the job.

Devine’s aides said the timing had nothing to do with Pat’s case.

Yesterday, the Pope’s representative in the UK, Archbishop Antonio Mennini, visited Motherwell diocese to discuss Devine’s resignation. The bishop of Argyll and the Isles, Joe Toal, will take charge temporarily.