The charges against Fr Neil Byrne, Parish Priest of St John’s Wood The Gap  and formerly Kenmore Parish, are serious and disturbing.

As a result of these allegations, as is the normal process, I have stood Fr Byrne down from his position as parish priest and from all public duties, pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.

As a Church community we must remain vigilant in ensuring that the safety of children is paramount.

The exploitation of children is totally at odds with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

My thoughts and prayers today go out to the parishioners of St John’s Wood The Gap and Kenmore Parishes in these difficult times, and to innocent children everywhere who are victims of terrible crimes of exploitation and abuse.

Most Rev John A Bathersby DD
ARCHBISHOP OF BRISBANE

May 31, 2011