Priest takes rape claim to police

A breakaway Anglican Archbishop who claims to have been raped by a Catholic priest has officially filed a complaint with South Australian police, for the incident that occurred 40 years ago.

Archbishop Hepworth alleged he had been raped by three Catholic priests, one of whom was Monsignor Ian Dempsey.

The claim was aired publicly, after it was named under parliamentary privilege by Senator Nick Xenophon who severely criticised the church over its handling of the claims.

Yesterday, the Catholic Church announced its commissioned investigation into the allegations cleared Brighton priest Monsignor Ian Dempsey of the claims.

Archbishop Hepworth told 7News he felt 'ambushed' and had no warning of the findings from the investigation.

"I am formally requesting the police to examine the matter," he told reporters.

"It was never my intention to go beyond the processes of the church.

"I very much regret that I'm having to do that."

Church finds 'no substance' to claims

In a written statement, Archbishop Philip Wilson said the Catholic church had commissioned Michael Abbott QC to investigate the claims.

"I am satisfied that Mr Abbott examined all of the allegations raised by Archbishop Hepworth," Archbishop Wilson said.

"He personally interviewed 29 witnesses, including many who were present at the time that the events were alleged to have occurred."

"I am able to say that Archbishop Hepworth's claims against Monsignor Dempsey, which were analysed and examined in details, were comprehensively rejected by Mr Abbott."

However, Senator Xenophon continues to criticize the handling of the claims, and said not one of the 29 witnesses in the 150 page report was John Hepworth.

"The Catholic Church hierarchy should hang its head in shame with this latest episode in this farce of an enquiry," he told 7News.

"Any inquiry that doesn't include speaking to the person who has made the allegations can't have any credibility."

Today, Mr Abbott said he did try to engage Archbishop Hepworth in his inquiry, but was unsuccessful.