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Antigonish bishop affirms that diocese will continue reaching out to abuse victims

Antigonish bishop affirms that diocese will continue reaching out to abuse victims

By  Brian Lazzuri, Catholic Register Special
  • May 6, 2011

ANTIGONISH, N.S. - Antigonish Bishop Brian Dunn called it a sad day for his Nova Scotia diocese as he spoke to media a day after former Bishop Raymond Lahey plead guilty to possession of child pornography charges.

It was the first time that Dunn, or the diocese, had commented on Lahey’s legal situation since charges of possession and importation of child pornography were laid in September 2009.

"This is indeed a very sad day as we witness one of our Church leaders convicted of these very serious charges connected with child pornography," Dunn said in his opening statement.

"As a Church, we condemn pornography in all its forms since it seriously degrades humanity. We especially find repugnant any forms of child sexual exploitation because of the lasting consequences that these have on the gift of childhood."

Dunn then referred to the diocese's own problems.

"Here in this diocese we are particularly aware of the harm that occurs when minors are sexually exploited. The Gospel calls us to respect the human dignity of every person."

The diocese is gathering $18 million in funds to settle a class action sexual abuse lawsuit and address the allegations of those who opted out of the suit. Ron Martin brought forth the lawsuit on behalf of all persons who were sexually assaulted by any priest of the diocese between Jan. 1, 1950 and final approval of the lawsuit. The agreement was signed Aug. 4, 2009 by Lahey.

Bishop Raymond Lahey heads to court with his legal team May 4A little more than a month later, Lahey was charged with possession and importation of child pornography during a stop at the Ottawa airport.

Dunn spoke about his year and a half in the diocese.

"One of the aspects of my ministry has been to deal with the response to Bishop Lahey's charges. I have certainly come to appreciate how deeply this has affected so many people and at so many levels. This incident, along with the cases of sexual abuse of children by some clergy of the diocese, has clearly caused many to question their relationship to the Church."

Dunn committed himself to working to bring healing, reconciliation and reform to the diocese and reached out to abuse victims.

"So many of you bravely came forward with a sincere desire for justice, truth and reconciliation, I am sure that the matters that are being addressed today were particularly hurtful to you when first discovered and I am sorry that you now have to reopen some of your brutal pain."

Dunn said the diocese would continue along the path of reconcilation.

"This is a time for reflection and prayer and as we move forward. We do so with a commitment to action so that we may be a Church rooted in the Gospel. Today, I wish to re-commit the entire diocese of Antigonish to a journey where we continue to be a Church which stands as a witness to truth, service and love."

(Lazzurri is editor of The Casket in Antigonish, N.S.)

More in this category: « Lahey likely to be defrocked under canon law norms Catholic Missions In Canada serves up Tastes of Heaven »

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