Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

The Bishop of Ferns has asked parishioners to help pay compensation and legal bills emanating from clerical child sex abuse claims.

Addressing parish representatives last night in Enniscorthy, Dr Denis Brennan said a request of financial help from parishioners was not about sharing the blame, but about asking for help to fulfil a God-given responsibility.