MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA)
Herald Sun

February 6, 2018

SACRED Heart Mission founder Father Ernie Smith will “no longer be considered a priest in good standing” after historical sexual abuse allegations against him were revealed.

According to a statement posted to the charity’s website today, the complaints relate to inappropriate sexual behaviour with two adults and one person under 18.

“Fr Smith has accepted responsibility for the complaints,” the statement reads.

“No client, employee or volunteer at Sacred Heart Mission was involved.”

Two complaints were made to the Archdiocese of Melbourne in 2005 and 2006, but the priest was not stood down until another allegation was proved in November last year.

Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart said he revoked Fr Smith’s right to exercise public ministry because of the seriousness of the complaint, its effect on the victim and the pattern of behaviour.

“In each of the matters Father Smith acknowledged…