Thousands expected to attend protest on clerical abuse during the papal visit

THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend a protest focusing on clerical sex abuse during the papal visit in three weeks’ time.

Since the ‘Stand for Truth’ Facebook page was set up on Thursday, more than 600 people have already pledged to take part in the protest at the Garden of Remembrance on August 26.

The event, which is being organised by Amnesty International Ireland executive director Colm O’Gorman, aims to highlight the impact that clerical sex abuse had in Ireland.

Mr O’Gorman, who is a survivor of clerical abuse, said there had been little justice or accountability for victims.

“The Roman Catholic Church as an institution has not been held to account for the abuse and violation of tens of thousands of children in State-funded, Church-run institutions.

“The total costs to the State of addressing institutional abuse is approximately €1.5bn. It was initially expected that the Catholic Church would be required to pay 50pc of the costs involved in delivering truth and justice for victims, with the State quite rightly paying the other half. But that didn’t happen. Instead, by my best reckoning the Roman Catholic Church has paid roughly €200m.”

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr O’Gorman said he was “very pleased” to see his demonstration receive such a positive reception.

“I want to put together a moment of solidarity and assert the dignity of those who were abused or harmed by the Church. I’m very pleased to see the sheer amount of people who want to be part of this demonstration and it certainly seems like its building rapidly into the thousands,” he said.

Mr O’Gorman emphasised that the demonstration would not have an anti-Church agenda. “I have huge respect for people of faith, but what we’re standing for is trust, justice and for the Vatican to acknowledge the cover-up that’s been orchestrated at a global level.

“I just don’t think it’s OK for this Pope with his rock star image to come here and not highlight the appalling harm the Church has inflicted.”