AOTEAROA (NEW ZEALAND)
Maori Television
November 13, 2018
By Moana Makapelu Lee
The Anglican church is welcoming the government’s announcement to include faith-based institutions in its inquiry into historical abuse of children in state care. Northland Bishop Te Kitohi Pikaahu says the inquiry must not be limited to the state sector and churches must also be held accountable.
The Anglican church says the inquiry will provide a pathway to healing for the victims of abuse.
Bishop Pikaahu says, “This is inquiry is about resolution for men and women in state and church care.”
He says many children were placed into church care from 1940-1980 and an investigation would unveil the extent of abuse.
“The government are now listening. Churches must also be held to account for any wrongdoing against those in their care.”
In a letter to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in March, the Anglican church requested that churches be included in the inquiry but were turned down.
“I believe it’s because they were afraid of how far the extent of the issue went, but nothing will go amiss in this inquiry.”
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