Like most Irish, I have been following the fallout from the Murphy Report on the child sex abuse in the ‘Catholic’ Diocese of Dublin.

To say that I am sickened by the whole affair is a gross understatement.

Let’s just look at the facts to date.

• There was systematic and widespread child abuse for at least the last sixty years.
• The abuse took the form of physical and mental abuse, including rape, buggery, indecent photographs and molestation.
• The number of abusers is not known but I think it is fair to say that a large minority of priests were involved.
• Those that were not directly involved with the abuse were complicit by their silence.
• The hierarchy not only were fully aware of all the abuse but actively covered it up with denials, threats and lies.
• The hierarchy’s response in all cases was to move the abuser to fresh pastures, being fully aware that the abuse would continue.
• The hierarchy engaged in a philosophy of “mental reservation” which enables them to blatantly lie while convincing themselves that they are telling the truth.
• The Vatican is fully aware of the extent of the abuse, but is actively involved in the denial.

So where does that leave us now?

First and foremost, because of their admission of the use of “mental reservations” it is impossible to ascertain when the truth is being told.

Despite all the revelations, the hierarchy is still involved in cover-ups, denials and outright lying.

Letters of “apology” from Donal Murray [I refuse to accord him any title such as Bishop or Doctor – he is just a low life bastard] are being read out today in churches in Limerick.  Here is a “man” who not only denied that abuse existed but in turn intimidated, threatened and abused those who made complaints, to an extent that one of the complainants – Peter McCloskey – committed suicide after being threatened by Murray on several occasions.  This low-life has stated in the last couple of days:

As I look back on that time, I ask myself many questions, especially about the three cases in which the report criticises me.
At no time did I, as an auxiliary bishop of Dublin, receive an allegation of sexual abuse and fail to act.
When an allegation of sexual abuse of children by a priest was brought to my attention, I responded promptly and conscientiously and in each case notified the Archbishop and Diocesan authorities and co-operated fully with them.
I never deliberately or knowingly sought to cover up or withhold information brought to my attention.

This scum is still denying everything despite all the evidence against him.  He is refusing to resign, and instead is issuing a mealy-mouthed “apology”.  He is so far beyond contempt.

In fact not one member of the hierarchy has offered to resign.  The denial, the closing of ranks and the lying continue.

The Catholic Church has lost any semblance of respectability.  It has shown itself for what it is – a glory club for those who want power and wealth, and the freedom to abuse children.

It is up to the people of Ireland to vote with their feet.  I sincerely hope that there will be a mass exodus from churches today when that letter of “apology” is read out.  I sincerely hope that church-goers make their disgust known.

There is no use relying on our government.  Cowen is as complicit by his lack of action as the hierarchy themselves.

I am ashamed that I was once a member of that church.

I am ashamed of Ireland.