AUSTRALIA
The Advertiser
By NIGEL HUNT
28jan05
THE Anglican Church has bowed to intense criticism from sexual abuse victims and cancelled a planned service of recognition for former archbishop Ian George.
The embarrassing backdown follows a barrage of public attacks by victims and child protection advocates, which forced church officials to review the planned service.
Bishop George resigned as Anglican archbishop in June, following the release of a scathing report on the church's handling of abuse complaints and criticism of his role in one case, in which an alleged offender had fled overseas.
Abuse victims and their families were outraged the Adelaide Diocese organised the February 13 service, accusing it of insensitivity and arrogance.
After several days of discussions with church officials, Bishop George yesterday said he was "deeply concerned" that victims had been distressed by the planned service.
Posted by kshaw at January 27, 2005 12:37 PM