It is with great sorrow that the Belvedere Union has learned of five more Jesuits, who along with Father Joseph Marmion, SJ, are accused of abusing children at Belvedere College. They are Father Rupert Coyle, SJ; Father Brendan Kearney, SJ; Father John (Jack) Leonard, SJ; Father Finbarr Lynch, SJ; and Father Oliver O’Brien, SJ.
This follows the publication earlier this week by the Jesuit Order of details of 15 deceased Jesuits who have been subject to child sexual abuse complaints. More information, including available support and a Statement of Accountability, can be found here
As a Union, we stand in unwavering solidarity with, and fully support, those who have suffered abuse. We deeply regret that past pupils were not safeguarded during their time at Belvedere or other schools.
We sincerely respect the victims who have courageously come forward to share their experiences of abuse. We also encourage anyone else who may have been affected to seek the appropriate advice and assistance.
Anyone who has any concerns or who has suffered abuse at the hands of any Jesuit is urged to contact the Order’s Safeguarding Office by email at safeguarding@jesuit.ie or by phoning the helpline on 00 353 83 087 4254.
Those who do not wish to contact the Order directly, are advised to contact Tusla and/or the Gardai.
Local Garda Station: http://www.garda.ie/Stations/Default.aspx
Tusla: The Child and Family Agency https://www.tusla.ie/services/
The link to the college’s response is here