'Gay mafia' book claim priest accuses church of bullying

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.

He was suspended from his parish at St John Ogilve's in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, after publishing a book called Priesthood in Crisis.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Motherwell said: "Father Despard was asked to make a personal apology to those still living who were written about in his book and who remain hurt and offended by it.

"To date these apologies have not been made.

"Any consideration on suitability for public ministry remains a matter for the bishop."