This blog provides information about the actions and inaction of the Diocese of Salford in cases where their priests have been convicted of criminal offences involving the abuse of children. It highlights cases such as that of William Green, former parish priest of Holy Family, Wigan who was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for 27 offences against children aged between eight and 16 years, in 2008, but who had not been laicised (dismissed from the clerical state)two years later.
“If a bishop, priest or deacon is convicted of a criminal offence against children and is sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more, then it would normally be right to initiate the process of laicisation. Failure to do so would need to be justified. Initiation of the process of laicisation may also be appropriate in other circumstances.”
(Nolan, 2001, 3.5.32, p44).
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