Accused but innocent - what should a priest do?

Abstract

Many priests in Ireland feel somewhat vulnerable at the moment. They fear that if an accusation of sexual misconduct with minors is made against them, they will be removed from their duties with great publicity, without due process, and without a proper defence or hearing. They fear that a false accusation or perhaps even a suspicion arising from misunderstanding might result in their being left for a long time in a kind of Mimbo' with little opportunity to restore their reputation or good name. What follows is an attempt to provide diocesan priests with some basic information and a few pointers regarding how to respond to an accusation.