Paisleys in glass house shouldn’t throw stones

THE EMERGENCE of the details of the clerical abuse scandals in Ireland in relation to paedophilia within the Catholic Church and the efforts of the Church authorities to prevent their investigation presents a disturbing picture.

The response of the Pope to the problem has left much to be desired.

It is however, hypocritical for the Rev Ian Paisley, in his recent BBC interview, in outlining his opposition to the Pope’s visit to Britain, to refer to the Pope’s response to this very serious scandal within the Church as an absolute disgrace.

I would refer to the Kincora Boys Home scandal in the 1990s where Paisley’s Church was deeply implicated in allegations of sexual abuse. I am surprised that the BBC interviewer did not make reference to this fact.

To my recollection when the scandals within Catholic institutions were surfacing, one commentator in the media remarking that one small crumb of consolation was that we should at least be spared any sanctimonious hectorings from the cleric up north because of his own Church’s record.

I am wondering whether the Rev. Paisley ever heard of the expression: pot calling the kettle black and people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Patrick McKenna
Kingston