THE priest at the centre of a police investigation has thanked parishioners for their support through the New Journal.
Father Dominic McKenna, based at Our Lady of Hal in Arlington Road, Camden Town, sent the message to his flock to apologise for his enforced absence while police look into allegations over an incident that took place in 1975.
He said: “I am sorry I have not been able to be with my parishioners.”
Father McKenna, who has built up a reputation for his work with the homeless and vulnerable people suffering from drink and drug addictions, has been suspended from his job and removed from his parish home since allegations were made in January. They are currently being investigated by Hackney Police’s Child Protection Unit.
He added: “I understand the reasons I need to be on administrative leave while the investigation continues.”
Speaking from a secret location – provided by the Church – the 54-year-old priest said he was touched by the expressions of support and cards he has received wishing him well.
He continued: “I am praying for the parish and I hope very much that the parish is praying for me.”
Fr McKenna was removed four weeks ago and has not been seen since at the busy Catholic parish in the heart of Camden Town.
Police enquiries over accusations centring on an alleged incident that took place in 1975 prompted Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor to move Fr McKenna while police looked into the allegations.
The church could not confirm how long the investigation would take, or the precise nature of the allegations.
A police spokesman for the Hackney child protection unit said no arrests had been made.
And parishioners are coming to terms with life without their regular priest. One regular said: “There has been a dark cloud hanging over the place since he left. We are all in turmoil about these horrible accusations – and we are worried about how he is bearing up; if he is found guilty, we’ll be devastated.” Father Safaa Habash, who has worked with Fr McKenna for two years, spoke of the congregations’ reaction.
He said: “We are shocked, surprised and upset. He was loved by the parishioners.”
The Iraqi-born minister came to England two years ago and Fr McKenna helped him settle in London.
He continued: “When I came to England, Father Dom was helping people from every nation: opening his heart. This is a mixed parish – and people from every nationality still have a massive respect for him.
“He was a learned man, a respectable man – always on hand to serve people when they needed him. We are all very emotional, sympathetic and we are praying for him.”
Fr Safaa Habash said that the allegations stemmed from a time before Fr McKenna was a priest.
He added: “In our faith, we are all sinners – we need forgiveness – it is our doctrine not to condemn but to forgive. We say all people are sinners – so many saints were sinners.
“Of course, we would forgive him if the allegations were upheld.
“I do not know anything about his whereabouts or when he is due to return, or if he would be allowed to return if the allegations are proved true – but we are praying for him.”
A spokesman for the Diocese of Westminster said: “A priest mentor has been appointed by the Cardinal to care for him. Fr Dominic has settled into a new home for the duration of the investigation and he is comfortable.”
He added an acting parish priest, Fr Jim Duffy, was taking on Fr McKenna’s work until the investigation was completed.