The Catholic diocese of Derry has announced that a priest has requested and been granted administrative leave while an issue of safeguarding children is being investigated.
The priest “has and continues to co-operate fully with the civil authorities, as has the diocese,” a statement on the diocesan website said today.
“The paramount concern of the diocese is, and will continue to be, the safety and welfare of children,” is said.
The diocese called on anyone with concerns about child safeguarding in the church to report them to the civil authorities or diocesan officers, who will assist with any contact with the civil authorities.
“It would be inappropriate to comment any further,” it added. “While this process is ongoing, the priest is entitled to the benefit of a presumption of innocence.”
Last weekend, a priest of Armagh archdiocese agreed to step down from ministry in his parish to allow for an investigation into a complaint relating to “child safeguarding”.
Bishop Gerard Clifford spoke to the priest’s congregation on Saturday after celebrating vigil Mass at the parish. A statement explaining the matter was also read out to parishioners on Sunday.