Sincere apology to former child migrants and offer to meet with the Lead Bishop for Safeguarding.
On 18 July 2017, during the IICSA process, our former Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Bishop Marcus Stock, gave a sincere apology to former child migrants.
He did so on behalf of the Catholic Council for IICSA. Bishop Stock was at that time Vice Chair of what was then called the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission.
“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all of those who were involved in the British Government’s migration programmes as children, and express my sincere regret for their suffering as children, including in many cases as a result of child sexual abuse, and the deep wounds which that abuse has left on them as adults…
“I appreciate that some may feel that these apologies and regrets are too little, too late, and for others they may not wish to have anything further to do with the Catholic Church. I would fully respect those views, but I remain open to listening and learning from them.”
The bishop also said he would welcome the opportunity to meet privately with any former child migrant – not only those who testified before IICSA – should they wish to do so. Both this offer, and the apology above, are echoed and presented by the current Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Bishop Paul Mason.
The invitation for former child migrants to meet with our Lead Bishop for Safeguarding remains open and any person who seeks a personal apology is welcome to contact the General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference at 39 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1BX who will facilitate communication between them and Bishop Mason.
How the Catholic Church is addressing the IICSA recommendations
Statement issued on the publication of IICSA's report into the Catholic Church.
Mae’r Eglwys Gatholig yn Lloegr a Chymru yn croesawu Adroddiad IICSA
Archdiocese of Birmingham's response to IICSA.
