Gordon Scotland

Feb 12, 2024 | bbc.co.uk | Gordon Scotland |Gordon Blackstock

A priest who wrote a book accusing the Catholic Church in Scotland of being run by a "powerful gay mafia" says he has been bullied by church hierarchy. Father Matthew Despard was suspended from parish duties in 2013 after making the claims in a self-published book. A Vatican court ruling in 2016 cleared the way for a possible return - but the church says he will not be allowed to return until he makes a public apology. Father Despard said he was not sorry for telling the truth.