AUSTRALIA
Sydney Morning Herald
June 4, 2015
Steve Lillebuen
Australia’s most senior Catholic clergy have been criticised for endorsing Cardinal George Pell’s handling of child sex abuse cases during the middle of the royal commission.
Seven bishops and archbishops have signed a statement backing Cardinal Pell, saying he was one of the first bishops in the world to set up a response to abuse in the church.
“He is a man of integrity who is committed to the truth and to helping others, particularly those who have been hurt or who are struggling,” said the statement, signed by two NSW bishops and five
“His style can be robust and direct; he does not wear his heart on his sleeve. But underneath he has a big heart for people.”
But Nicky Davis, from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), said the statement is offensive and yet another example of the church trying to protect its reputation above all other considerations.
She said clergy abuse survivors deserve far more respect from senior church leaders.
The clergy statement, which claims credit for helping survivors, may actually silence and undermine those who have been brave enough to testify, she said.
“If Australia’s bishops, including Cardinal Pell, are truly men of integrity, they would cease trying to silence survivors, and call for police to investigate every single case of clergy child sexual violation for any cover-up,” she said.
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