Until the abuse crisis is fully addressed, there will not be “authentic, enduring renewal and reform” in the Catholic Church, according to Archbishop Dermot Farrell, the Primate of Ireland.  Speaking in a homily on 21st September to mark Safeguarding Day in the Catholic Church in Ireland, Archbishop Farrell spoke of a "culture of denial" in the Church and in Irish society which must be addressed and changed.

The safety of our children, and of the vulnerable people in our midst is everyone’s business. . .  It is not some “job” we can hand over to “professionals.” 

Until we truly own what has happened, the necessary change of heart will remain on the surface—and a superficial ‘change of heart,’ is no change of heart. In the Church, we are called to renew our commitment to make our Church, our parishes, our schools and all our activities safe for children and vulnerable adults, and to embrace the structures and accountability which that requires.

Accountability worthy of its name cannot be mere lip service. Apparent accountability is not only offensive, it is a lie, and a lie which compounds the denials of the past, and intensifies the pain of survivors. If justice is to be restored, if we are to work towards healing, then we must embrace a culture of accountability.