Abuse charges force Irish bishop out of ministry

The never ending saga continues but look at the "claim". She was attacked by him at 14 & then they went on having sexual relations for another ten years until she was 24. Is she claiming ten years of abuse? I'm not trying to minimize priestly misconduct with minors. Scripture has a saying for that.

But I'm just wondering when exactly objective mortal sin kicked in for the woman? I agree that it was always there for the priest and if the charge is true, he should be history. However, I am very skeptical that this woman was ever "attacked" by a priest based upon the claim. How often does a woman fall in love with her rapist?

Ah, the horrible scandal continues. And the Church wants us to believe that all this sex stuff happened in the 60s and 70s. This and other recent stories just proves that sexual abuse by ordained priests and bishops continues to this day. There is only one solution and the church knows it--a married clergy and election of bishops by the laity, including the appointment of priests. It is just a matter of time before it all happens.

I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg! I will not be surprised if a member of the College of Cardinals is exposed for sexual abuse of children. It's only a matter of time and the clock has been ticking faster.

This may seem bad and sad. But, let this one act not be used to judge the archbishop Richard Burke. I do not encourage abuse and violation of minors, or for that matter anyone. However, Dolores Atwood, seemed to be also using this for publicity stunt. Archbishop Burke, was a missionary, who left home and nation to go to serve God's people, as best as he deemed it. He was not a bad person, he was a caring person. In fact, it could be this caring side that turned into a vulnerable person in this case. One would wonder, how no one knew about this incident, and the person involved was fully, even when married, still enthused with the archbishop many years afterwards. When do people become collaborators in the acts they accuse others? The church has now driven itself to a stupored condition whether anyone that now comes up with any kind of accusation, even if remotely predicated on lies and falsehood, takes to have an edge over a priest. Too sad and too gory. If the church is seeking angels for its priesthood then she would have further slacks in vocations to the priesthood. Hypocrisy and dancing to the tune of the media hype has begun to rip grand dividends for the church haters and enemies of the cross of Christ.

"But, let this one act not be used to judge the archbishop Richard Burke". As with his buddy in kind Paulte, this anonymous also begins his/her excuse for the sexual abuse of a minor by a person in a position of power, with a "but". "(T)his one act"? The "act" began at the age of 14 and as a hospital patient and went on for what, 20 years? Regardless of the culpability of the woman, the man probably rose from priest to bishop to archbishop within this continuing sexual relationship.

The article relates the issue; it does not judge Burke; the order acknowledged the veracity of her claim, and the order representatives took it seriously. Even Burke who lies about contacting the woman, did acknowledge to her his responsibility. Where do you come off then questionning the veracity of the woman: "The church has now driven itself to a stupored condition whether anyone that now comes up with any kind of accusation, even if remotely predicated on lies and falsehood, takes to have an edge over a priest."

I am surprised that NCR printed your de facto vulgar defence; I am not surprised that you sign off as "anonymous".

if what has been reported is true, then it leads one wonder how many other victims are out there in nigeria?

it's because it is so easy for such victimizers to take advantage of several victims at a time. furthermore, i am sure if there are similar cases that have taken place in nigeria, it would be very difficult to uncover due to the fact that some of the victims (current/former) may have been silenced with gifts over the years or received special favours such as scholarships for high school, college and even had the chance to attend colleges in ireland or eleswhere.

while there maybe other victims out there who may have entered the convent or are now married and wouldn't want to deal with their shameful past or even make it known for public consumption at this point and time. as it turns out, many victims from africa and asia would rather remain silent for the rest of their lives rather than "collectively shame their entire family and immediate community" as stated by one former nigerian seminarian (a victim/survivor) now living in north america.

by the way, i had no idea that foreign missionary clergy were still being appointed bishops in a country like nigeria. that was shocking discovery to say the least. one would have hoped that in a nation with over "10,000 priests or more" (i stand to be corrected), rome would at least find one suitable (native) candidate to be appointed bishop in nigeria forty some years after the vatican 11 council.

can someone help me understand why missionary clergy are still being appointed bishops in african countries like nigeria, kenya etc? is it a question of economics or is it a question of politicla control?

iam very sure of the fact that all hell would break loose if the vatican had the courage to appoint an african or asian missionary priest as a bishop in ireland, germany, italy, spain, united states of america or worse in austria.

I was not surprsied to hear of this story. I am aware that many young ladies are being molested by so called priests and Bishops whom they regard as their guardian. I admire the courage of Dolores, the time it took her to speak out for me is irrelevant. There are many more sad cases like hers still taking place in Nigeria. I know priests and Bishops in Nigeria who are very promiscuous, they are very sexually active. My girl friend in Nigeria left me for a priest, it all began with pouring of gifts,and finally became full sponsorhip of this said girl. I wish many Africans can speak out, am sure there will be many cases similar to Burke.

I know priests and Bishops are human beings, perhaps its time to make celibacy optional for them, instead of many of them deceiving themselves and living false lives. I hope the clergy in Nigeria will wake up now and live what they profess they are and stop deceiving themselves.