Press Release 11/2/08
STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP DIARMUID MARTIN
I welcome the outcome of this morning’s court hearing and the decision by Cardinal Connell to withdraw the proceedings initiated some days ago.
Cardinal Connell is in a nursing home, still recovering from the effects of a fall, and I have naturally visited him and spoken with him. He informed me of his decision not to proceed and that decision was his own. Since its inception, the Archdiocese has refrained from making comments on the day to day work of the Commission to allow it to carry out that important work. That basic policy remains unchanged.
Many victims and family members contacted me during this week. I wish to assure them, as well as priests and parish congregations, of my continued commitment to seeking the truth about the past. It is my hope that the common aim of all remains focussed on ensuring that an accurate understanding of the truth concerning sexual abuse of children by clergy
emerges.
ENDS
