AUSTRALIA
Goulburn Post
Louise ThrowerLouise Thrower
@ThrowerLouise
29 Jun 2017
The charging of Cardinal George Pell on multiple historical sexual assault offences is “catastrophic” for the Catholic Church, says a longtime Goulburn parishioner.
Bob Stephens has attended Saints Peter and Paul’s Cathedral Masses for the past 65 years. He also serves on the Cathedral’s restoration committee.
He was shocked to hear that police had charged Cardinal Pell on Wednesday. The Rome-based former Archbishop of Sydney is due to appear before Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on July 18.
“It’s catastrophic for the church but this has to run its course. I believe he’ll cooperate,” Mr Stephens said.
“If he’s guilty, he has to go down with the rest of them. No one is exempt from this.”
He described sexual abuse as “a crime against society” and cited the recent sentencing of several former Saint Patrick’s Goulburn Christian Brothers.
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