SCOTLAND
The Tablet
18 March 2014 by Abigail Frymann and Brian Morton
An external inquiry into the Catholic Church in Scotland’s handling of allegations of sexual abuse by priests will hear from abuse victims and provide a “significant opportunity to bring about material change”, the man leading the review said.
Andrew McLellan has named 11 commissioners who will work with him, including a Scottish bishop, an English bishop, the chairman of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission, a senior police officer and an MP.
Dr McLellan, a former Church of Scotland moderator and former HM Inspector of Prisons, said the commission would “listen to the experience of survivors of harm and abuse” and use what it learns to “bring about material change”. While he said the commission would not adjudicate on current or historical allegations, he said his recommendations would aim to make the Church “a safe place for all”.
Dr McLellan also made clear that the Church in Scotland had given a “robust commitment” to acting on “all” of the commissions findings and recommendations.
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