On the appointment of Bishops:
“The ACP expresses its grave disquiet at some of the policies presently being pursued in relation to the appointment of bishops in Ireland: the lack of any credible process of consultation; the preference in the main for candidates drawn from a particular mindset; the apparently haphazard policy of appointments to distant dioceses that pays little regard to the traditions and heritage of a diocese; and not least the choice of candidates who seem to be out of sync with the realities of life in Ireland today and uncomfortable with the openness of Pope Francis to change and reform the Church.”
In relation to Priests who have been disciplined:
“We request that during the Year of Mercy the Superiors of Religious Congregations and the Irish Bishops Conference approach the Vatican authorities with a view to restoring to full ministry those Irish Priests who have been disciplined for alleged unorthodox views.
We believe that this would be very much in the spirit of the Year of Mercy as outlined by Pope Francis.”
Regarding the procedures used by Church authorities when allegations are made against priests and religious:
“In the interests of harmonising the administration of justice, and with the intention of sharing best practice, we recommend that the bishops construct a single set of policies and guidelines in enabling clergy to return to ministry”
