Church abuse crisis an ‘open wound’ that must be addressed, Farrell warns

Until the abuse crisis is fully addressed, there will be no “authentic, enduring renewal” of the Catholic church in Ireland, the Castletown-Geoghegan born Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell warned during Vigil Mass on Safeguarding Sunday at Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral.

"Sexual abuse is an open wound in our Church and in our land," Farrell stated, reflecting on the harm caused by decades of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse within religious institutions.

Speaking on the need for deep-rooted reform within the Catholic Church, the archbishop drew attention to the recent scoping report on abuse in religious-run schools, which revealed widespread abuse perpetrated by religious and lay staff.

He emphasized that this shameful legacy cannot be ignored or explained away.

Archbishop Farrell was unsparing in his criticism of the church’s historical failure to fully confront the abuse crisis. He warned against superficial solutions, noting that until the church and society genuinely "own what has happened," any change of heart would remain on the surface. He described the church’s past responses as marked by denial and disengagement, and cautioned against "apparent accountability" that serves as lip service rather than real reform.

"Accountability worthy of its name cannot be mere lip service," Farrell declared. "Apparent accountability is not only offensive, it is a lie which compounds the denials of the past and intensifies the pain of survivors."

Reflecting on the teachings of Christ, Archbishop Farrell reminded the congregation of the Gospel’s emphasis on protecting children. He quoted Mark 9:37, saying, “Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me,” highlighting that the protection and care of vulnerable children is central to the Church’s mission. He emphasized that safeguarding vulnerable people is not just the responsibility of a few professionals, but the duty of everyone within the Church and society.

Farrell acknowledged the damage done to survivors, their families, and the Church community as a whole. He pointed out that many faithful have distanced themselves from the Church due to the abuse crisis, and the good work of honest clergy and religious members has been tainted. He called for a cultural shift within the Church and society, urging a commitment to justice and true accountability.

"Faith and justice go hand in hand," he said, quoting from the Letter of Saint James. "True justice and enduring renewal go hand-in-hand. There is no other way."

In his concluding remarks, Archbishop Farrell called for a collective effort, not just from the Church but from all layers of Irish society, to confront the legacy of abuse. He encouraged a deeper reflection on how sustained patterns of evil were allowed to arise and persist, emphasizing that denial and avoidance will only perpetuate the pain and injustice of the past.