Diocese co-ordinator to restore church’s integrity

AUSTRALIA
The Courier

By FIONA HENDERSON May 9, 2014

THE Ballarat Catholic diocese has set up a paid position to help prevent a repeat of its clergy sexual abuse past.

A part-time diocesan co-ordinator for professional standards will establish strict conduct policies for not only the ministry but also lay workers and volunteers.

Vicar-general Father Justin Driscoll said the diocese realised it had a lot of work to do.

“It’s part of a culture change for us. We’re going beyond that reactive stage and we’re trying to do what’s right. It’s far more of a proactive stage.

“We want to implement best practice, not minimum standards so that everyone’s safe and no one’s at risk.

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