IGLULIK - Bishop Reynald Rouleau of the Catholic Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay was in Iglulik from May 13 to 20, while the community deals with allegations of sexual abuse by its former Catholic priest.

Eric Dejaeger was returned to Canada from Belgium earlier this year to face 28 charges stemming from incidents alleged to have occurred between 1978 and 1982 in Iglulik.

"I come to live the situation with the community and hopefully help also the people to overcome and go beyond," said Rouleau. "We need to keep some hope."

Iglulik's Catholic priest, Father Tony Krotki, left the community in March after allegedly receiving threats.

During his 20th visit to Iglulik since he was appointed bishop in 1987, Rouleau said he celebrated Sunday mass and received a friendly welcome, something, along with the community's openness, he said he appreciated.

"I was really quite stressed when I came in because I did not know how things will develop, especially in the situation we were in but now, I'm really thankful to the people here for their friendship," he said. "I will try to listen the best I can and to understand the best I can. I really appreciate the leadership also in Iglulik."

Rouleau said from what he gathered during his visit, the community wants Father Krotki back.

"I hope he will come back for the construction of the building (new Catholic church) and people want to see him," he said. "Hopefully he will come back for the construction time. Then, it will give time to readjust and see what can be done and how we will proceed in the coming years."

Celestino Uyarak, the hamlet's assistant senior administrative officer, said the bishop's visit was a quiet one.

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