Religious congregations’ statement on Scoping Inquiry

This is the statement issued yesterday by the Association of Leaders of Missionaries & Religious  of Ireland  in response to the publication of the Scoping Inquiry Report.

It’s more or less a standard PR piece of writing, maybe somewhat bland. Nothing new or creative about it. And not a word about the systemic obsessive secrecy that flourishes in all clerical church life.

A small point, but why upper case religious orders and congregations? Or is it a small point. Does it say something about the mindset of AMRI?

The response is a lost opportunity to say something real and prophetic.

AMRI, the representative body of the Leadership of Missionaries and Religious in Ireland, welcomes today's publication of the Scoping Inquiry Report into historical sexual abuse in Religious-run Catholic schools from 1927 – April 2023. The Report reviewed allegations of historical child sexual abuse, made against religious, lay staff, visiting clergy and pupils.

We acknowledge the courage and bravery of the victims and survivors. We are deeply sorry that they experienced abuse in religious-run schools. We are acutely aware that sharing personal, sensitive, and traumatic experiences can cause additional pain and suffering. We recognise that we can never know the depth of the pain and suffering survivors have endured and continue to endure.

AMRI actively worked with those of its members who are involved in running schools to facilitate the fullest cooperation in this Inquiry. We will carefully examine the recommendations and respond accordingly.

Religious Orders and Congregations continue to provide access to safeguarding personnel to support victims and survivors. A broad range of support is available, including access to funded counselling and therapeutic services (Towards Healing and Towards Peace), pastoral and restorative justice processes.

We encourage anyone needing support to contact the individual Religious Orders and Congregations to get the help they need.

It is critical to restate that rigorous child protection structures are in place in all Catholic schools to maximise the safety of every student.

• The Department of Education’s Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools (revised 2023) are implemented in all religious-run schools.

• Schools and Religious Orders and Congregations report all allegations of sexual abuse to  An Garda Síochána and when the alleged perpetrator is living, to Tusla.

• Religious Orders and Congregations have safeguarding procedures in place, which are monitored and reviewed by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church www.safeguarding.ie

• Child Protection procedures in schools and religious settings are compliant with the relevant laws and guidance of the State https://www.tusla.ie/children-first/children-

first-guidance-and-legislation/

Towards Healing: https://towardshealing.ie

Towards Peace: https://towardspeace.ie

Media Contact: Gerard Gallagher, communications@amri.iewww.amri.ie