Healing Service Follows Defrocking of Priests

ABC News
October 29, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-29/healing-service-follows-defrocking-of-priests/4338344

Newcastle Anglican Bishop Brian Farran.

Dozens of Anglican parishioners have been told the damage caused by the defrocking of several Hunter and Central Coast priests is horrendous.

Newcastle's Anglican Bishop Brian Farran has been in the firing line since he defrocked three Hunter priests including the former Dean of Newcastle, Graeme Lawrence earlier this year.

They were stripped of their holy orders over sexual abuse allegations. No charges have been laid and all three deny the allegations. Central Coast priest John Gumbley was also defrocked for alleged sexual liaisons.

Yesterday he told around 30 supporters at a healing service that the amount of damage Bishop Farran has done is horrendous. He said he was amazed there was not more protest about what is going on in Newcastle.

He added that there was not a single person in the leadership that he would look up to. But he did urge for forgiveness and reconciliation. Last week Bishop Farran said he had overwhelming support but there are a vocal few who resist transparency and a change of culture.