Church Calling for Child Abuse Victims to Come Forward

By Casandra Garvey
The Chronicle
June 19, 2013

http://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/church-keen-to-help-child-abuse-victims/1912523/

An inquiry into the handling of child sex abuse allegations against a former chaplain of Slade School is under way.

AN INQUIRY into the handling of child sex abuse allegations against a former chaplain of Slade School is under way and the Anglican Church is calling for potential victims to come forward.

The inquiry was ordered last month, following allegations priest Robert Waddington was banished from England to Slade School in 1956, following claims he was molesting the son of an English politician.

He stayed at Slade School until 1959, before moving to north Queensland.

Waddington is accused of physically and sexually abusing at least three students in Ravenshoe, north Queensland and recruiting several teachers who were later convicted of child abuse.

He died of cancer in 2007.

Former Archbishop of York David Hope is accused of covering up allegations of abuse by Waddington when they were reported to him in 1999 and 2003. He denies the allegations.

St Mark's Anglican Church rector Reverend Rod Winterton said the church was desperate to speak to anyone who may have been a victim of Waddington.

"If there are people out there who have been a victim of his evil, we would like to know what we can do in terms of helping with healing and whatever is necessary," he said.

Rev Winterton said he understood it was difficult for victims to come forward.

"Some people are very ashamed and reluctant to come forward with their story," he said. "But if they feel that can do so in a confidential manner - and know their names won't be published - they can let us know what happened and we can try to help."

Despite allegations of a cover-up, Rev Winterton said the church was not interested in "sweeping these issues under the rug" and said acknowledging the problem was important in healing.

"There are lots of dark things in the past that need to be brought to light and only by doing that can everyone move on - the victims and the church itself," he said.

Anybody who may be a victim can phone Rod McLarry on 3835 2266.