Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Joseph Toal has written to every parish in Motherwell Diocese, where he currently serves as Apostolic administrator, asking Catholics there to support their priests and him in the respective tasks.

Referring to events involving Fr Matthew Despard, the parish priest at St John Ogilivie’s Church in Blantyre whose ministry he restricted last November, the Bishop for Argyll and the Isles writes that he had had no choice but to act.

“When I met with the diocesan priests after becoming Apostolic administrator in May last year I was made aware of how troubled and distressed they felt by the publication of Fr Matthew Despard’s [self-published] book, Crisis in the Priesthood,” the bishop says. “It has been necessary for me to support those whose integrity has been questioned in this publication, and to continue the canonical process initiated by Bishop [Joseph] Devine through which Fr Despard’s actions in publishing this book will be judged.”

Bishop Toal (above) goes on to say, after giving the matter much thought and prayer, he  ‘decided that Fr Despard should be required to stand down from his parochial duties, live outside his parish, and not be permitted to carry out any public ministry while his case is being dealt with by the Scottish Inter-Diocesan Tribunal.’

“Fr Despard finds it difficult to accept this and indeed questions my authority to take any action in his regard,” Bishop Toal says in his letter to parishes. “In reply to that, I believe that the Holy See, in view of the distress in the diocese, chose to appoint a bishop as Apostolic administrator when Bishop Devine’s retirement was accepted .

“This was done so that the bishop chosen would have the authority to make the difficult decisions necessary for the good of the diocese.

“I have tried to carry out the responsibilities given to me, and continue to ask Fr Despard to do what I have requested. I would ask those who continue to support him to prevail upon him to obey my instructions, and in particular to co-operate fully in assisting Fr Nolan as administrator of St John Ogilvie’s Parish, High Blantyre.”

Bishop Toal says he understands people are ‘distressed’ and asks them to try and be understanding.

“I acknowledge the distress and pain we have felt, particularly during the past year, in regard to revelations about sexual misconduct and abusive behaviour by some Scottish clergy and religious,” he said. “Further allegations, and the subsequent extensive reporting, may well arise and we will continue to suffer with those whose pain is made known to us and to carry a heavy cross as Catholics in Scotland.

Some Motherwell parishioners have reacted negatively to Bishop Toal’s actions and handed in a petition asking for Fr Despard’s reinstatement.

The bishop asks that, during this difficult time, the people of Motherwell Diocese do all they can to support their priests.

“Please continue to love and support them, so that they continue to be encouraged and enthused in their ministry on your behalf,” he writes. It is wrong to assume or to imply that all priests are suspect because of the failings of a few and it is necessary to uphold and defend the good name of our priests.”

He said at times all clergy fail to live up to their aspirations but they are trying their best and he and the priests of Motherwell Diocese are grateful for the support they receive from the laity.

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—This story ran in full in the January 10 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes