Catholic Church Denies Paedophile Priest Link to Fires

3AW
April 1, 2015

http://www.3aw.com.au/news/catholic-church-denies-paedophile-priest-link-to-fires-20150331-1mcexe.html

The historic St James Church in Brighton is one of three to burn within 48 hours. Photo: Eddie Jim

The Catholic church is denying links between three suspicious fires at suburban churches and paedophile priests.

Police are looking into a series of recent arson attacks including an overnight fire at the 151-year-old St Mary's Catholic Church in Foster Street, Dandenong, about 2.30am this morning.

I think there's every chance a serial vigilante is targeting them.

Neil Mitchell

Other fires being investigated are at St James Catholic Church in Brighton and St Mary's Catholic Church at St Kilda East.

Regional bishop Peter Elliott dismissed Ross Stevenson's suggestion of links to paedophile priests.

He believes it's more likely a "disturbed" person.

"I would suggest it rests in a very disturbed mind," he said.

"I don't see any link yet."

Neil Mitchell disagrees.

"I don't accept the reassurances from the Catholic church," Neil said.

"I think there's every chance a serial vigilante is targeting them.

"Not only has there been three arson attacks within 48 hours, each at the home of a notorious paedophile priest, but the priests involved were also all protected."

The Catholic church is increasing security across Melbourne.