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Catholic priest Joseph Quigley, who was recently convicted of physically & sexually abusing children, was allowed back into schools after allegations were made against him. Some key details - and lessons we can learn from this shocking story: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/13667/-horror-that-abusive-priest-allowed-back-into-schools 1/6
When the first allegations were made against him in 2008, the Catholic Church sent Quigley to the US for six months instead of telling the police. On his return the church placed Quigley under restrictive measures – but still allowed him to visit and inspect schools. 2/6
Vincent Nichols – now the most senior Catholic leader in England & Wales – was in charge of the archdiocese that learnt of Quigley’s abuse in 2008. 3/6
Nichols is now apologising for the “suffering and damage” caused by Quigley’s actions. But the church has been apologising for years. It continues to put its reputation before child protection. Its apologies are empty. 4/6
We can’t keep trusting the Catholic Church, or other religious institutions, to protect children. We need a well-drafted mandatory reporting law so suspected abuse is referred to the statutory authorities. 5/6
The story also reveals that Quigley had written a sex education manual for Catholic schools in 2001. Another reminder that sex education should be handled by experts, rather than clerics. 6/6
