BishopAccountability.org
 
  Church Expresses Sadness at Abuse Claims

ABC
July 24, 2007

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/07/24/1986277.htm

Australia — The Catholic Church has appealed to the community not to be judgemental of two Canberra colleges embroiled in student abuse scandals.

Several legal claims have been made by former Daramalan College students, alleging sexual abuse by a teacher Paul Lyons.

Lyons committed suicide in 2000 after being chared with indecent assault of a student.

Former students at Marist College have also raised concerns about the conduct of Lyons who taught there for a number of years.

The auxiliary Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn Pat Power has expressed deep sadness at the allegations.

Bishop Power said the colleges were doing all they could to ensure those affected were treated with justice and compassion.

At the same time, he appealed to the public to judge the colleges in the light of the positive contribution they've made to thbousands of students over their 40 year history.

"Having said that, even one instance of abuse is to be deplored and I am heartened to know that all schools have in place strict measures to ensure the protection and well being of their students," he said.

"My sympathy and prayers go out to all touched by these sad events."

 
 

Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.