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By Susie O’Brien
Herald Sun
June 29, 2017

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THE charging of Cardinal George Pell with sex offences is a major coup for the Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission.

It’s not part of a witch hunt, as some are claiming. No one is #HuntingCatholics.

Rather, the charging of the Catholic Church’s third most senior cleric is a legitimate step in a rigorous and extensive process. It’s important to note that Victoria Police stress Pell has been treated no differently to anyone else in the investigation.

This process — which some people are working hard to undermine — started two years ago when more than one man spoke up about abuse they say Pell perpetrated.

After investigation, Victoria Police decided there is enough merit in the claims for Pell to be charged and face trial.

It doesn’t mean Pell is guilty, and this must not be assumed. At this stage this is a victory of the system, not a sign of guilt. Indeed, Pell has said he “strenuously denied all allegations”.