Catholic bishop of Palmerston North Charles Drennan resigns

Saturday, 5 October 2019

The Catholic bishop of Palmerston North has resigned after an investigation into a complaint of unacceptable behaviour of a sexual nature. 

Pope Francis has accepted Bishop Charles Drennan's resignation.

The New Zealand Church's independent investigation body -  the National Office of Professional Standards (NOPS) - contracted an independent investigator to look into the claims. 

The complaint was made by a young woman; both she and Drennan participated in the investigation. 

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Cardinal John Dew, the Metropolitan Archbishop of New Zealand, announced Drennan's resignation on Friday night. ​

The church said it would continue to provide support to the woman and her family. 

'The young woman has requested that details of the complaint remain private,' Cardinal Dew said.

'It can be confirmed that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation. In the eyes of the Catholic Church, Bishop Drennan's behaviour was completely unacceptable, and it fully supports the young woman for coming forward.'

Drennan had been in the role for less than eight years. 

He was the only bishop on the support group known as Te Rōpū Tautoko, which was set up to manage co-operation between the Catholic Church and the Abuse in Care Royal Commission.

Cardinal Dew said he encouraged anyone who had experienced similar behaviour to tell the church, police, or other support organisations. 

'The Catholic Church has no tolerance for any inappropriate behaviour by any of its members,' he said.