Scandal sad, says Neill
Posted: 02 Nov 2006 @ 00:00
THE Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Neill, in St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny,
on Sunday, spoke to the people of Cashel & Ossory dioceses about the recent
resignation of their Bishop, the Rt Revd Peter Barrett. Dr Neill said: "
Through the actions of and the resignation of the former bishop, this united
diocese has been exposed in a very sad way to the fragility that is at the
heart of all Christian ministry. . .
"At the end of the day, Bishop Peter had to make up his own mind whether he
wished to remain as your bishop, and to remain in his marriage." But neither
the Church of God nor the gospel had been diminished. "What is diminished is
the standing of those who serve in ordained ministry."
He understood annoyance at a lack of information from the Church; but the
Bishop and his family had a right to ask the Church for pastoral support and
expect that the details, none of which had criminal implications, be treated in
confidence.