Publication of Independent Review – “lanigan House Review”

By Media Statement
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
June 30, 2017

http://cgcatholic.org.au/2017/06/lanigan-house-review/

The Catholic Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn welcomes the Independent Review of the processes surrounding the decision to place a priest with sustained findings of inappropriate behaviour into Lanigan House, Garran, ACT.

“I am very grateful for this thorough and comprehensive report. It identifies many important issues requiring immediate attention,” Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Christopher Prowse, said.

“The report reveals failure in our policies, procedures and protocols.”

Archbishop Prowse acknowledged the hurt, stress and confusion caused, especially to the Garran community.

“Our communications with the community were inadequate, causing understandable confusion and anger,” he said.

“Again, the Archdiocese apologises unreservedly for the stress and hurt to people and the whole Garran community. We must learn from this.

“We accept all the findings and recommendations of the Independent Review and are eager to fully implement them.”

In particular, the Archdiocese commits itself to:

To begin the work of establishing an Advisory Panel, comprising experts and community members, both Catholic and other faiths. The panel will advise the Archdiocese on a range of child protection and other issues.

Never placing a priest with sustained findings of inappropriate behaviour with minors near schools, childcare centres and other places where unaccompanied children gather.

A thorough review of our policies and procedures, particularly in relation to

-risk assessment,

-communication protocols, and

-privacy and public disclosure.