BY Daniel Harkins | January 6 | 
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St Bride’s parish priest set to return to ministry
Motherwell’s Fr Paul Morton was cleared of historical allegations of abuse by police in May, but he remained away from his parish until Church investigation was completed
A canonical investigation into a Motherwell Diocesan priest has cleared his name.
Fr Paul Morton (above) of St Bride’s in Cambuslang stepped away from his parish in 2014 after allegations of historical abuse were made against him. In May last year, a police investigation found he had no case to answer.
A Church investigation was conducted following safeguarding procedure and has now concluded, with Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell recommending to the Holy See that no further action is required.
“I recently concluded the preliminary canonical investigation into the evidence available following the conclusion of the police investigation into the allegations made against Fr Paul Morton,” Bishop Toal said in a statement. “In forwarding the papers of the canonical investigation to the Holy See I recommended that no further canonical action is necessary.
“This is because neither the police nor the canonical investigation have found evidence to substantiate the allegations made. Although the canonical investigation took some time, it was a necessary step for me to take as a bishop. We can look forward now to Fr Morton’s return to ministry.”
Parishioners from St Bride’s have been running a vocal campaign for Fr Morton’s return to the parish, and welcomed the news of the investigation’s conclusion.
Fr Morton’s family have also welcomed the news saying they too hope for Fr Morton’s return to the parish and offering ‘heartfelt thanks to all his friends in the parish and beyond who from day one have never doubted his innocence and sought justice on his behalf.’
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