ADELAIDE Archbishop to Resume Duties

9 News
December 31, 2015

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/12/31/16/16/adelaide-archbishop-to-resume-duties

Adelaide's Catholic Archbishop will resume his duties despite still facing a charge of concealing child sexual abuse.

Archbishop Philip Wilson took leave in March after he was charged with one count of concealing information about a serious indictable offence.

Wilson, 64, pleaded not guilty in May to concealing information about the 1971 sex assault of a 10-year-old boy by pedophile priest James Fletcher in Maitland.

In a letter published on the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide website on Thursday, Wilson said he had decided "after deep thought, prayer and reflection" to return from leave in January.

"I have taken this decision now for many reasons, including the fact that I do not know how long it will take for the charge against me to be resolved," he wrote.

"I cannot responsibly remain on leave indefinitely given my serious responsibilities as Archbishop of Adelaide."

Wilson said he will not resume his work with the Truth Justice and Healing Council, which represents the Catholic Church in matters related to child sexual abuse, until his charges are resolved.

He will also absent himself from handling matters relating to the archdiocese's professional standards.

"Some people may disagree with my decision and I respect that," he wrote.

"In no way should this decision be interpreted as my not taking this matter very seriously. On the contrary, I take the charge extremely seriously."

Wilson thanked those who had expressed support for him, saying it had been heartening during a "difficult and trying" time.

Victim groups have previously called for Wilson to stand aside from his duties until his criminal accusations were resolved.