The complaint is that the party was organized secretly during the time when gatherings were banned during the Kovid period. It is revealed that one of the senior priests of the diocese, Father Michael McCoy, invited the faithful to the bishop’s party. The intervention of the Vatican comes following many believers came forward with accusations once morest the bishop. Diocesan sources have also confirmed the information that believers have come to complain once morest the bishop. “Several individuals from within the Diocese have come forward with complaints following reports of a sex party taking place in a rectory adjacent to Newcastle Cathedral.”
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Meanwhile, the accused priest, Father McCoy, was found dead in April 2021. He committed suicide within four days of finding out that Northumbria Police’s special unit had started an investigation once morest him in a case related to child abuse. In 2019, Bishop Byrne replaced Father Dermot Donnelly, a well-known priest, as a replacement for Father McCoy. It is believed that there was a great personal relationship between the two.
Bishop Byrne, who was previously the auxiliary bishop of Birmingham, will come to the diocese in 2019. Although it is not clear whether the bishop participated in the controversial party, his resignation followed the controversy related to it. He resigned, stating that continuing in the position was too stressful. “My conscience makes me feel that I cannot lead the faithful of the diocese as I would like.” This is what he wrote in his resignation statement.
The Archbishop of Liverpool, Macham McMahon, has been replaced by the church as the internal investigation once morest the bishop continues. He is also in charge of the investigation. Archbishop McMahon stated that the Vatican has requested a detailed report on the events that led to the bishop’s resignation. The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency has also started an investigation into the incident. Steve Ashley, the CEO of the organization, stated that an independent investigation will be conducted and there will be complete independence. The organization will look into whether any form of harassment has taken place or allegations have been raised. They also clarified that all aspects related to the incident will be investigated. The diocese has also stated that it will cooperate with the investigation.
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