News by email Donate

Suggestions

cathedral st marys newcastle picbanner.jpg
cathedral st marys newcastle pic.jpg
World News

Alleged sex party at Newcastle's Catholic Cathedral investigated by Vatican

by Donna Birrell

The Vatican is investigating rumours of an alleged “sex party” at St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle.

According to the Sunday Times, a number of complaints were made by people in the Catholic diocese of Hexham and Newcastle after information came to light about a sex party taking place in the priests’ living quarters attached to the cathedral.

They’re said to have complained that the then Dean of the cathedral, Fr Michael McCoy, approached them to attend a party during lockdown – at a time when all gatherings were banned.

Fr Michael who was 57, died by suicide two years ago after learning that police were investigating an allegation of historic child sexual abuse against him.

The claims of an alleged sex party have come to light as part of a Catholic Church investigation into the resignation of the Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, Rt Rev Robert Byrne in December.

The Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Rev Malcolm McMahon who is leading the investigation, said he had been asked by the Dicastery of Bishops - a Vatican department - to prepare an in-depth report into the events leading up to Bishop Byrne’s resignation.

There is no suggestion Bishop Byrne took part in or was present at the alleged sex party – or that he was aware of it.

The Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) has launched an independent, unscheduled safeguarding audit and safeguarding review in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

 

 

Help us close the $65,413 funding need.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate