Catholic Bishop Admits Culture of "Hiding Abuse"
By Dan Cox
A former Hunter Valley Catholic bishop concedes the church has a culture of hiding abuse rather than being transparent. The inquiry went into private hearings yesterday afternoon with the former Maitland-Newcastle bishop Michael Malone still giving evidence. The Commission is investigating Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox's claims that the diocese protected two priests. Bishop Malone told the public hearings that after a 2004 inquiry by the state's Ombudsman he had "an epiphany" regarding his inadequate handling of abuse allegations and he was keen to become "transparent". Counsel assisting the Commission Julia Lonergan asked the former bishop if he "found that difficult because of church culture and its closeted environment". He replied "I did, because that was still alive and well in many sections of the church". The public hearings resume on Monday morning when it is expected bishop Malone will continue giving evidence followed by other senior clergy."
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