Bishops apologise over abuse case priest

BY FREDDY GRAY
THE BISHOPS of the Westminster archdiocese have apologised to the parishioners of Kentish Town, North London, and promised to review child protection procedures following the conviction of Fr William Hofton for abusing teenage boys.
The statement, signed by Cardinal Cormac MurphyO’Connor and the auxiliary bishops, said: “At the meeting we held a few weeks ago many of you were angry and distressed to think that such a priest could serve in the diocese. If any of us had known in 2002 that William Hofton was guilty of the offences for which he was convicted, he would not have been returned to ministry.” Fr Hofton was returned to parish duty after confessing to an “incident” in the 1980s. The bishops admitted this was a mistake. “In the light of what was subsequently revealed it was not right for him to have been sent back to a parish,” they said. “That is why we are now looking at what changes need to be made, also taking on board your comments, concerns and criticisms.” The statement said that while the first concern should be for children and vulnerable adults, consideration should also be given to the pastoral needs of every ministry. The bishops promised to learn from the Hofton case. They said: “We hope to begin a new chapter where your trust, that has been damaged, may be restored.”