More than 2,000 people have signed a petition for the reinstatement of a priest who was cleared of any wrongdoing after abuse allegations were made against him. Fr Paul Morton was removed from St Bride’s parish, Cambuslang, in the Diocese of Motherwell, and asked to take “administrative leave” following anonymous allegations last October.
In April he was cleared by police of any wrongdoing. A statement issued by Fr Morton’s four brothers and two sisters said: “On hearing the details, it was quite clear that Paul had been the victim of an unwarranted and incomprehensibly malevolent act perpetrated by a malicious individual. “Our family wish to make clear for the public record that, with the dismissal of the allegation, Paul has been completely exonerated. His innocence, which he has maintained from the beginning, has finally been confirmed ... At no time was he charged with any offence and the police inquiry is now officially ended.”
The petition, on the website change.org, says: “In no other workplace would someone continue to be restricted following a thorough police investigation that resulted in no case to answer to. “It is our opinion that Bishop Toal is prolonging the situation and in his silence is causing further upset, not only to Father but to those who love and care for him, who want to see justice prevail.”
Petition organisers asked to meet the bishop but said their request was refused. A spokesman for the Diocese of Motherwell said Bishop Joseph Toal was following the procedure set out in the document Sacramentorum Sanctitatis Tutela.
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