Bishop seeks priest's dismissal after sex offences plea
The Bishop of Derry is petitioning the Holy See to permanently dismiss a priest who pleaded guilty to 109 sexual offences against children. The Church aims to expedite the removal process following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
Why it matters
It reflects the ongoing institutional efforts within the Catholic Church to address clerical abuse and restore accountability.
The Bishop of Derry will petition the Holy See to immediately dismiss a priest who has pleaded guilty to 109 sex offences at Derry Crown Court.
Edward Gallagher, 59, with an address at Maghaberry Prison, pleaded guilty to 109 charges relating to sexual offences, including sexual communication with a child under 16 and having indecent images of a child.
He will be sentenced in December for offences between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025.
In a statement, Bishop Michael Router said that while Fr Gallagher was immediately suspended from priestly ministry following his arrest, the substantive church process was put on hold so that it would not interfere with, prejudice, or complicate the criminal investigation and prosecution.
"Now that the criminal proceedings have reached this stage, there is no longer any reason for the Church's canonical process to remain suspended," he said.
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