BISHOP'S STATEMENT ON SEXUAL ABUSE
IN recent weeks, the media has focused attention on the issue of sexual abuse of children by priests and religious.
The painful damage caused by these people is very destructive to the lives of their victims.
I have not and do not condone in any way the abuse of children or adults by the clergy, religious or those in positions of trust and responsibility within the Church in the Diocese of Sale.
To the victims and their families, I offer my prayerful support and sincere apology.
In addition to the victims, many of God’s faithful people are also hurting.
The injury also extends to the lay faithful who have had their trust and faith tested by what they read and know about sexual abuse in the Church. To these I offer my sincere regret and prayerful support.
It also includes those clergy and religious who serve our community in a dedicated and caring manner, to whom I offer my support and encouragement.
The Church has had its moral voice diminished by these actions. It will be a long and difficult journey to restore to restore the Church and her people to health.
Along with the victims, there is a journey of healing that we all must walk in our own way.
With regard to those victimised by clergy and religious, the bishops and religious leaders of Australia acknowledge with deep sadness and regret that a number of clergy and religious have abused children, adolescents and adults in pastoral care.
In 1996, the Church published a document, Towards Healing, which set out the principles that will form the basis of the Church’s response to complaints of abuse and procedures to be followed in responding to individual complaints.
In 2000, following a review, it was amended and republished.
This document establishes public criteria by which the community may judge the resolve of Church leaders to address issues of abuse within the Church.
I, along with other bishops, am committed to the principles and procedures in Towards Healing.
I encourage persons who have been hurt or abused by a priest or religious to take action and make their voice heard.
Each state in Australia has a Professional Standards Resource Group, established to handle complaints of sexual abuse within the Church. The contact number for Victoria is 1800 816 030.
A contact person takes the complaint and the appropriate religious leader or bishop is then asked to respond to it.
If the complaint is found to be of a criminal nature, assistance is offered so that the complaint can be made to the police.
In some cases, further assessment may be necessary. From the beginning counselling and support is offered as the process moves through its various stages.
The emphasis of the Towards Healing document and my own intention for the process is to express compassion for victims, not protection for the Church.
I do not require confidentiality clauses in any agreement between myself and a victim of abuse. If there have been any clauses in the past, I would have them removed.
I ask for your prayerful support as we work to eradicate sexual abuse within our Church and do all that is necessary to support victims to work through the great harm they have sustained.
