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Launceston Christians Apologise to Sexual Abuse Victims

By Stefan Boscia
The Examiner
March 26, 2018

http://www.examiner.com.au/story/5306311/launceston-christians-apologise-to-sexual-abuse-victims/

A Launceston priest has no personal objection to making celibacy optional for Catholic Church clergy.

Father Mark Freeman suggested it was one of several measures that should be considered to bring the church further in line with other Christian denominations.

The Catholic Church forces clergy to remain celibate throughout their life, unlike other mainstream Christian denominations.

A recent royal commission into institutional sexual abuse recommended the Catholic Church reconsider the practice.

“[The Catholic Church] needs to look seriously at anything that puts priests up on a pedestal,” he said.

“I would have no difficulty if the discussion lead to the fact that that [celibacy] was an optional thing [for Priests] – it would not worry me.

“Anything that makes the Catholic clergy an exclusive grouping in society really needs to be looked at.”

Father Freeman’s suggestion comes after he was a part of a 40-person gathering of Launceston church members and clergy on Saturday.

The Way Forward gathering brought together people from different denominations to issue an apology to victims of church-related sexual abuse.

“The royal commission was such a watershed moment and the past must be recognised and never repeated,” Way Forward steering committee member David Strong said.

“It’s important the findings don’t get swept past us too hastily, because there is a real opportunity to take stock of everything that has been recommended and found by the inquiry.”

The event was organised by Launceston Alive and hosted by City Mission chief executive Stephen Brown.

“We wanted to collectively apologise from our unified perspective as the Christian Church,” Mr Brown said.

“It was a chance to reflect on how these things have occurred and resolve how we move froward.”

Father Freeman said it was important every recommendation from the royal commission is discussed within the Catholic Church.

 

 

 

 

 




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