Bishop Seamus Freeman comes under mounting pressure

The Bishop of Ossory has promised that he will shortly give priests a detailed report on controversies around his management of the diocese.

Dr Seamus Freeman has been the subject of criticism from many priests in the diocese in recent years and the issue has led to considerable disquiet.

The issue has caused what can only be described as grave divisions in the diocese with some saying that the only resolution will be for Dr Freeman to retire.

However, those close to the bishop have dismissed calls for him to go and accused his detractors of being unfair to Dr Freeman.

Concerns

Earlier this year, the bishop – who has led the diocese since 2007 – announced that he had appointed three priests to carry out a ‘listening process’ to hear the concerns of the priests.

This process had been due to come to an end at Easter with a detailed report.

However, so many priests have been keen to give their opinions that the process has been extended, but is expected to come to an end in coming weeks.

Dr Freeman has promised to give a copy of the unvarnished report to all of the priests of the diocese.

The report is expected to be extremely critical of a perceived lack of leadership from Dr Freeman. However, there is also expected to be support for him from some quarters.

While a number of priests are fiercely loyal to the bishop and have been stinging in their disapproval of Bishop Freeman’s critics his supporters are said to be in the minority.

Priests have been asked to engage with the listening process around the key themes of their impression of the bishop and his style and approach to leadership, the current position of the diocese and plans for the future.

Debt

Finances and the issue of mounting debt is a major concern for many priests.

Priests – on both sides of the divide – have written to Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin and papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown to express their disquiet.

As metropolitan archbishop, Dr Martin has a role in keeping the Pope aware of the situation in the diocese under Church law.

Bishop Freeman suffered a stroke almost three years ago.