Corner Brook Labrador Diocese website
STATEMENT FROM THE DIOCESE OF CORNER BROOK AND LABRADOR, July 8, 2014
We have received information that Reverend Bernard Buckle, a priest of this diocese, has been charged by the police with the crime of sexual assault and that a plea date has been set for August 25, 2014.
Any allegation of improper conduct by a priest is an extremely serious matter. The Diocese has cooperated fully with the local authorities and we ask any member of the public with information on this case to come forward to assist the RCMP with their investigation.
It would be inappropriate for Diocesan officials to comment on the specifics of this case as it is currently a police matter. However, we must be clear in stating that any form of misconduct by personnel of the Catholic Church is unacceptable.
Father Buckle retired from full time pastoral ministry in September 2011. Since that time, when his health has allowed, he has assisted local parishes with pastoral ministry. Due to the seriousness of the charges now before the court, Father Buckle’s priestly faculties have been suspended pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
The Diocese has developed extensive procedures to foster a safe environment for all the members of our faith community and has also developed a clear policy and procedure for replying to allegations of sexual misconduct. (This policy can be found on our diocesan website: www.rcchurch.com under the heading “Policies,” the topic “Response to allegations of sexual misconduct”.)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are involved in this court case.