Illawarra Catholic Church Hands over Abuse Documents

ABC News
May 17, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-17/catholic-probe/4696848

Wollongong's Catholic Bishop Peter Ingham has again offered his apology to victims of clergy abuse in the Illawarra and says he's fully complying with requests from the royal commission.

A meeting of 120 clergy, school principals and catholic care staff was held in Wollongong this week to bring them up to date about the royal commission process.

Bishop Peter Ingham says he's been asked to supply all documents about child sex abuse in the Illawarra from 1975 to now.

He says a large amount of material has been handed over which includes details of complaints against clergy and how the investigations were handled.

"We're cooperating fully with the royal commission and we're going to be fully open to the wisdom that it's going to offer us to ensure greater protection for our children," he said.

Bishop Ingham has also apologised again to anyone impacted by abuse.

"My sincere apologies to anyone in our diocese who's been harmed," he said.

Bishop Ingham is urging anyone with a complaint against the church to report it to the police or to the Catholic Care office.

A website has also been launched through the church's Truth, Justice and Healing Council to explain the commission and offer support.

The website address is: www.tjhcouncil.org.au