This section is reprinted from irishtimes.com, December 17, 2009. View original link at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/1217/breaking72.html

Bishop of Limerick Donal Murray’s decision to resign following criticism of his handling of allegations of child sexual abuse was the “right thing” for his diocese and for the wider Irish Church, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said this evening.

While acknowledging the pressure Bishop Murray had been under in recent weeks, Archbishop Martin commended his decision, saying “responsibility must be taken by all who hold a position of authority”.

Archbishop Martin said: “There have been serious difficulties of structure and communication at management level in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

“The Murphy report indicated how decisions were taken which resulted in further children being abused.

Accountability must be assumed for that and radical reform is required in the archdiocese, not just in the area of children protection,” he said.

Bishop Murray is one of a number of auxiliary bishops criticised in the Murphy commission report for their clerical sexual abuse allegations in the Dublin archdiocese from 1975 to 2004.

The Vatican confirmed this morning that Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation of the Bishop Murray.

In his statement, Archbishop Martin confirmed he would be meeting those in this diocese who are named in the report “about the way this archdiocese is managed” and about changes he considers vital for the future of the Dublin archdiocese.

He said the process would not be complete until early in the New Year. “This is without doubt, a period of deep crisis in this archdiocese.”

“Priests and people of this diocese see there can be no healing without radical change. Along with many others, I am committed to that change,” he said.

Catholic primate Cardinal Seán Brady said he acknowledged and respected the decision of Bishop Murray to resign. "As Bishop Murray said in his statement this morning, the survivors of abuse must have first place in our thoughts and prayers," he said.

In a statement, Cardinal Brady apologised again "to all who were abused as children by priests, who were betrayed and who feel outraged by the failure of Church leadership in responding to their abuse".

"Their suffering must always be the primary consideration in any assessment of past failings, as a Church and as individuals."

He acknowledged and thanked Bishop Murray for his contribution to the work of the Irish Bishops' Conference, adding the bishop "is in my prayers at this time".

© The Irish Times