Bishop Issues Apology Over Priest’s Child Abuse Case

Catholic Bishop Apologises After Former Jersey Priest Convicted of Child Abuse

The Catholic bishop overseeing Jersey has issued a formal apology following the conviction of a former island priest found guilty of child abuse offences.

Earlier this week, Jersey’s Royal Court found Piotr Antoni Glas guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child. The offences took place between 2004 and 2007, during Glas’s time serving as a priest on the island. He is scheduled to be sentenced on 2 June.

The Right Reverend Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth, said he wished to convey his “deep sorrow” and “profound apologies” for the suffering endured by the victim.

In a statement, Bishop Egan acknowledged the long-lasting impact of the abuse, saying the individual “will have carried this pain over the course of their life” due to the “grave offences” committed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their family,” he added.

The Diocese of Portsmouth, which includes the Channel Islands, Isle of Wight, and parts of southern England, said it remains committed to safeguarding and the protection of all parishioners.

Bishop Egan stressed that the Church has “robust safeguarding standards, policies, and procedures” in place across the Diocese and throughout the Catholic Church in England and Wales. He confirmed that all allegations of abuse are reported to the appropriate authorities and that efforts to maintain safe environments within church communities are ongoing.

He also encouraged anyone affected by abuse or seeking support to reach out to the Diocese’s safeguarding team.