THE bishop of Down and Connor has apologised for the "pain and distress" caused to victims of a priest who committed historical sex offences.
In a statement released on behalf of the diocese following the conclusion of Fr John J Murry's trial last Friday, Bishop Noel Treanor said the 80 year-old priest's actions were a "complete betrayal of trust".
Murray, who was deemed medically unfit to stand trial, was found to have indecently assaulted two girls during the 1970s and 1980s.
It was not a criminal hearing as he could not appear but was instead a 'trial of the facts' at Dungannon Crown Court, where the jury unanimously delivered its verdict in late August.
The offences were committed when Murray was based at St Matthew's parish in the Short Strand area of east Belfast.
The retired priest denied the charges when he first appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court in a wheelchair two years ago and was released on bail to an address at Marguerite Avenue in Newcastle, Co Down.
The abuse took place between December 31, 1976 and January 1, 1983 in the parochial house of St Matthew's. Both victims are now in their fifties.
Due to a series of legal setbacks, the trial was delayed and a jury discharged.
Last week the Crown Court reviewed further supervision arrangements for the retired priest. He will not serve a prison sentence.
Bishop Treanor confirmed that following completion of the legal process, the normal probe under the Church's safeguarding procedures and its own internal process - which were suspended during the statutory investigation and civil proceedings - will now resume.
He stressed the diocese's "unequivocal commitment to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk".
"On behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, I sincerely regret and wholeheartedly apologise for all the pain and distress caused to his victims and their families. These criminal actions were a complete betrayal of trust and the abuse Fr John J Murray perpetrated upon others are counter to the Christian values of the Gospel," Bishop Treanor said.
"These criminal actions leave a lasting and painful legacy of suffering upon those he abused and across the wider community. I pray that the judgment reached by the Crown Court will assist in bringing some healing to those who have been affected by these crimes."
The diocese is encouraging anyone with safeguarding concerns to contact the PSNI, social services, or the Diocesan Designated Safeguarding Officer (Telephone 07534 992124).
