Australian bishop apologizes for school abuse, calls on victims to come forward

SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA)
Crux

February 6, 2018

An Australian bishop has called on victims of sexual abuse to come forward to the authorities after a former religious brother plead guilty to four counts of indecent assault against a minor in December.

Philip Slattery, who had been a Marist brother, was principal of Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish Primary School in the Sydney suburb, Eagle Vale.

“I wish to assure all that the diocese, including Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong and our Catholic schools, are totally committed to the protection of children and young people above all else, and is remaining transparent and open in our communications to ensure that the safety of children and young people remains paramount,’’ said Bishop Peter Ingham of the Diocese of Wollongong.

He apologized to the former pupils of the school “unreservedly” in a statement released Feb. 5, and said the victims had “shown great courage and resilience in speaking the truth and seeking justice.”

Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.