Newcastle Anglican Bishop Dismayed at Allegations of "Power Paedophile Rings" Within the Church
By Giselle Wakatama
Newcastle Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson has expressed shock that allegations of abuse gripping his diocese have alleged links to high profile sectors within the Hunter community. Yesterday the ABC revealed allegations gripping the diocese have potential links to politicians, doctors, members of the legal fraternity, schools, children's homes and community and business leaders. Several paedophile rings allegedly operated across the region. The web of abuse has shocked Bishop Greg Thompson, who is himself an abuse survivor. "And I suppose people just didn't want to know because there was a shame in even mentioning these matters," he said. "That people who are held in high esteem could be brought down by the story of abuse." I think it is shocking that people knew of other people offending and not doing anything about it. Newcastle Anglican bishop, Greg Thompson Bishop Thompson said he is dismayed the 'power paedophile' networks may have operated in the Hunter, with abusers acting as protectors, burying allegations. He said there was a culture of cover-up and fear. "I think it is shocking that people knew of other people offending and not doing anything about it. "It tells you something about the generations of our time which didn't believe children or didn't believe that a good person could possibly do these things." Incidents of abuse within Newcastle's Anglican Diocese are on the radar of a police strike force and a royal commission, with both conducting separate probes. However both police and the Royal Commission have chosen not to comment. Abuse claims come as 'no surprise' to clergy abuse advocate Bob O'Toole from the Clergy Abuse Network said the allegations of Anglican and Catholic paedophiles being jointly involved in clandestine paedophile networks in the Hunter comes as no surprise. "I know that for some years now there have been rumours of links between the Catholic abusers, perpetrators and some Anglican perpetrators," he said. "For example a possible network existing in Newcastle. "Look if I'd been told that five or six years ago I would have been a little bit sceptical about it but having met and dealt with quite a number of victims of childhood sexual abuse through the network it doesn't surprise me. "In fact I'd say that it definitely existed, I don't know if it still exists but certainly it did exist."
Anglican abuse survivor Ray McKay told the ABC he has spent his life fighting to be heard. "Yeah my mother, I actually confronted my mother and told her what was happening and she turned around straight out and called me a liar," he said. "(She) said she wished I was dead. "For that to be said to a young child at the time is really devastating." Mr McKay says his life has spiralled out of control, while he has sought justice for himself and other victims. "I mean the cover ups and that are definitely there. "I know of several people who have committed suicide over it because they couldn't handle it. "To me, why have they always tried to blame the kids? It's not the kids, it's these despicable people.' The Royal Commission into child sexual abuse is poised to hold hearings into the Newcastle Anglican diocese next year. If this story has raised issues or concerns, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the NSW Police on 1800 333 000, or the Diocesan Director of Professional Standards on 1800 774 945.
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