My thoughts today are first and foremost with all those who have been affected by the case involving Father Edward Gallagher who has pleaded guilty to 109 charges relating to sexual offences, particularly the children who have suffered harm and those who continue to live with the consequences of abuse and exploitation. The events of the past eighteen months have caused immense distress to victims and survivors of abuse, parishioners, families, clergy and the wider community.
While Fr Gallagher was immediately suspended from priestly ministry following his arrest, the substantive church process was put on hold so that it would not interfere with, prejudice, or complicate the criminal investigation and prosecution.
Now that the criminal proceedings have reached this stage, there is no longer any reason for the Church's canonical process to remain suspended. Accordingly, the Diocese will move immediately to seek the most serious penalty available under Church law.
I can confirm that I am petitioning the Holy See to submit the case directly to the Holy Father with a recommendation that Father Edward Gallagher be immediately dismissed from the clerical state. I have already instructed that the documentation required by the Holy See be finalised and transmitted without delay. My petition will be that this case be treated as one of exceptional gravity and that Father Gallagher be removed permanently from the clerical state through the expedited procedure provided by Church law. The priesthood is a sacred trust exercised in the service of God and His people. Conduct of this nature represents a radical betrayal of that trust and is wholly incompatible with the obligations and responsibilities of priestly ministry.
The Church cannot undo the harm that has been caused. Nor can any canonical penalty remove the suffering experienced by victims and survivors. Nevertheless, the Church has a responsibility to respond truthfully, justly and decisively.
The Diocese of Derry has cooperated fully with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and all relevant statutory authorities throughout their investigations and will continue to do so.
The Diocese remains committed to supporting those affected, to maintaining the highest safeguarding standards and to ensuring its continued full cooperation with the civil authorities.
Today's proceedings may lead others who have experienced abuse or inappropriate behaviour, whether in this case or in any other context within the life of the Church, to come forward. I want to assure them that they will be listened to with respect and taken seriously.
I encourage anyone who has concerns, information or past experiences they wish to discuss to contact the civil authorities or the Diocese's Designated Liaison Person where support and guidance are available. Anyone wishing to contact the Diocese's Safeguarding Office may do so by contacting Marie O‘Kane, Designated Liaison Person, on 07596 500793 or dlp@derrydiocese.org.
I ask the faithful to remember in their prayers all those who have been harmed and all who continue to carry the burden of abuse.
+ Michael Router
Bishop of Derry