AUSTRALIA
Truth Justice Healing Council
Francis Sullivan – 17 December 2015
Sometimes words just are not enough!
At the end of another confronting and shameful public hearing for the Catholic Church the heavy sense of failure pervades our community. It is becoming an all-too-predictable scenario, in that in every case study ineptitude, maladministration, cover ups and corrupt practices have been revealed.
This miserable history cannot be denied, nor can it be rationalised away. The very fact that a faith-based institution would perpetuate such evil is incomprehensible. But it has – and now the time for reckoning has well and truly arrived.
As witness after witness fronts the Royal Commission the pretence falls away. At times the Commission’s patience is clearly tested but at least the stark realities are made plain for all to see.
Of course the Ballarat component of these past three and a bit weeks of hearings is only partially completed. It will reconvene again in the New Year in Ballarat. Cardinal Pell will also be required to give his evidence, health permitting. This will be a crucial component and has already been eagerly awaited.
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