By KHRISNA VIRGIL
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau yesterday said no Benedictine monks serving in the Bahamas are under investigation over sexual abuse allegations.
Archbishop Patrick Pinder was responding to growing speculation over the departure of a monk from the Bahamas.
The Benedictines, the Archbishop said, have a long-standing and distinguished relationship with the Bahamas which has lasted for the past 120 years.
He said: "They have done a tremendous amount of good for the religion and social development of this community, particularly in education.
"It is most unfortunate that there are some members of their Order against whom allegations of sexual abuse have arisen. This casts aspersions on their colleagues, the vast majority of whom were men of excellent character and exemplary virtue.
"This is a sad development. Yet, I remain hopeful and prayerful that all the necessary healing and reconciliation can be achieved.
"To my knowledge, at present time, there is no one in ministry or in any service of this Archdiocese against whom any allegations of sexual abuse exists."
Archbishop Pinder said he would never tolerate any abusive, or sexual behaviour in the Archdiocese of the Bahamas.
"I am thoroughly committed to maintaining safe environments for children and vulnerable adults in our community. In support of this, we have launched, here in the Archdiocese, the Virtue Programme for the protection of God's children," Archbishop Pinder said.
Comments
proudloudandfnm 11 years, 9 months ago
Sorry but we cannot take a CAtholic bishop's word on this!! The catholic church has done everything in it's power to cover these scandals up rather than face them head on and get the predators out! We need an actual investigation and if anythign is found it has to be made public!! We have to protect our children from all scumbags regardless of their occupation!!
MartGM 11 years, 9 months ago
The monk in question was scheduled to leave long before any allegations were made against him. He is now in the country he's from and any issues with him will be addressed there...hopefully. To my knowledge, there was no abuse. There was an alleged relationship between two consenting homosexual adults. It is quite sad that people hide behind religion. Don't muddy the Catholic name. If you want to be with a man or a woman then do the honorable thing and step down!
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