Diocese of Antigonish

Box 1330

Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2L7

Telephone: (902) 863-3335   Fax: (902) 863-0037

Email: chancery.ant@ns.sympatico.ca

 

Press Release

June 25, 2008 For immediate release

 

 

 

 

Diocese Remains Committed to Justice

 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish remains committed to helping all genuine victims of sexual abuse, Bishop Raymond Lahey said today.

 

A class action lawsuit is proceeding against the Diocese and the office of Bishop with respect to priests alleged to have sexually abused children of the Diocese several decades ago.

 

“The Diocese of Antigonish acknowledges that sexual abuse did occur with certain priests, some of whom have already been criminally convicted and punished for such horrific crimes” said Bishop Lahey.  “The victims deserve a fair hearing and fair treatment, and they must be treated with respect and with dignity.  While we must sort through the complexities of this new class action litigation, we are committed to providing compassion, compensation and counseling to these victims.  As well, in consultation with them, we hope to structure a service of reconciliation and healing – where we can deliver a formal apology to the victims and their families.”

 

The Diocese has already offered a less adversarial settlement process for those claimants who wish to avoid the unwelcome aspects of conventional litigation.  That option remains available for those who prefer to avoid the class action process.  The Diocese is also offering psychological counseling for claimants who seek assistance beyond legal remedies.

 

“The class action claimants have chosen not to pursue the mediation process and instead to seek recovery under the new Class Proceedings Act.  We respect their right to do so. While we regret that this matter will now involve somewhat complex court proceedings new to Nova Scotia, our door remains open to explore all avenues of resolution and closure for people who have been genuinely victimized” added Bishop Lahey. 

 

The Diocese of Antigonish has 137 diocesan priests, 12 religious priests, one permanent deacon, 332 religious (including both women and men other than religious priests), and 14 lay pastoral ministers serving a Catholic population of 139,990 in 123 parishes and missions.

 

Since these matters are before the courts, further inquiries may be directed to:

 

Bruce T. MacIntosh, Q.C.

MacIntosh MacDonnell & MacDonald Law Offices

Legal Counsel for the Bishop and Diocese of Antigonish

(902) 752-8441

bmacintosh@macmacmac.ns.ca