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	Melbourne Archbishop's Apology for Sex Abuse CathNews July 4, 2010 http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=22247 Hart issued a Pastoral Letter at the weekend in response to the recent international focus on the issue of sexual abuse. "The number of proven reported cases of abuse occurring in the last ten years here in Melbourne have declined to less than a hand full," he said. "But even that's too many for me". The Archbishop has pledged to continue the Melbourne Archdiocese's strong response to allegations of sexual abuse. "As Archbishop of Melbourne, I once again express my deep sorrow and offer a sincere and unreserved apology to all victims of sexual abuse, and to their families," he continued. "Sexual abuse in any form, and any attempt to conceal it, is a grave evil and is totally unacceptable. As Christ's Church we must face up to the truth of these revelations and not attempt to disguise, diminish or avoid in any way the actions of priests and religious who have betrayed their sacred trust. Archbishop Hart said that the Melbourne Response process, introduced in 1996 in consultation with Victoria Police, "goes a long way towards addressing compassionately the issue of sexual abuse in the Melbourne Archdiocese". Meanwhile the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, issued a statement strongly supporting the apology to victims of sexual abuse made by Archbishop Denis Hart. The statement said Cardinal Pell has made similar apologies in the past. It stressed that abuse by priests and religious fills him with "horror and disgust", and restated his commitment to uncovering sexual abuse and to caring for the victims. "Archbishop Hart's letter addresses the local situation in Melbourne, and Melbourne's response to sexual abuse. But in his apology to the victims, in his concern that they be treated compassionately and justly, and in his sense of desolation and betrayal at the crimes priests have committed, he speaks for me too. Cardinal Pell said he joined with Archbishop Hart in encouraging victims to come forward to the police. "Sexual abuse of children is a horrifying crime. It causes immense, sometimes life-long harm to those who are attacked." The Age reports today that no one at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne yesterday seemed to doubt that Archbishop Denis Hart was sincere in his apology to victims of sexual abuse by clergy. Many felt there had been enough publicity. 'I think this should be an end to it. We are making too much fuss,' said an Italian Catholic after the service. "I think there's a worldwide vendetta against the Holy Father because he's German." Double victim Catherine Arthur told The Age: "I feel a little cynical. If what he said was true and he followed up, it would be very good, but it's all been said and nothing happens,". Geelong priest Kevin Dillon, a noted advocate for victims, said he thought the apology was a good start that might lead to an improved process for dealing with abuse complaints. Archbishop Hart told The Age that he had spoken to several priests to gauge reaction around the archdiocese. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive that we are facing it, and moving forward," he said. "People are grateful that the situation is being clarified."
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