Apology from Anglican Church over Legacy of Ralph Rowe Is Very Important, Bennett Says

Toronto Star
January 23, 2017

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/01/23/apology-from-anglican-church-over-legacy-of-ralph-rowe-is-very-important-bennett-says.html

Former Anglican minister Ralph Rowe was convicted of sexually abusing boys in northern Ontario during the 1970s and 80s. (THE SURREY-NORTH DELTA LEADER)

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett says it is very important that the Anglican Church has agreed to work on a national public apology for the legacy of Ralph Rowe — a former priest who flew into indigenous communities and sexually abused children during the 1970s and 1980s.

Following a long-standing call from indigenous leaders, the church acknowledged Friday that its actions helped create a legacy of brokenness in some communities.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, who represents 49 communities in northern Ontario, says the church must also provide resources, as well as words, to address the intergenerational impacts of Rowe’s abuse, including suicide and addiction.

Fiddler notes it was determined during court proceedings that Rowe preyed upon more than 500 children.

Wapekeka First Nation — a community that garnered national headlines this month following the suicide of two 12-year-old girls — was one of the communities affected by the legacy of the former priest and Boy Scout leader.

Bennett’s husband Peter O’Brian produced a documentary called Survivors Rowe that explored the story of Rowe and some of his victims.