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  Holy Trinity Anglican Church Sweeps Priest's Sins under Carpet

By Alison Sandy
Courier Mail
February 29, 2008

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23299301-952,00.html

BRISBANE'S Holy Trinity Anglican Church has been dubbed the "Unholy Trinity" after it was revealed a pedophile, an alleged pedophile and a practising priest with his own seedy past are leading its Sunday services.

Following revelations in The Courier-Mail this week that convicted pedophile priest Robert Sharwood, who was released from jail only three months ago, has been allowed to sing in the choir with children, it has now been discovered that Canon Barry Greaves, who will stand trial on child sex charges in August, participates in bible readings.

Their role in the Fortitude Valley church has been approved by the Parish Council, headed by rector Trevor Bulled, who was convicted of indecent behaviour in a public toilet almost 20 years ago.

Fr Bulled was stood aside by the Anglican Church in 2001 during an unrelated police investigation after his bluecard was confiscated, but was cleared and reinstated three years later.

When asked to comment this week on the church's decision to allow a convicted pedophile to sing in its choir, Fr Bulled replied: "Most certainly not".

He then added that Sharwood was a suitable distance from children.

But he refused to respond to ongoing attempts to contact him regarding his own criminal history.

Brisbane Anglican Church Bishop John Parkes defended Holy Trinity this week, claiming the ministry had done an extraordinary job helping the most vulnerable and damaged people in our society.

"They're caring for . . . damaged people. I would hate to see the church ever turning its back on anybody, however grievously they've offended," he said.

He said there were appropriate safeguards in place to protect the rest of the congregation.

Bishop Parkes said he had confidence in Fr Bulled and referred to his past conviction as an "old matter", although conceded it was unfortunate.

But Bravehearts executive director Hetty Johnson said she was "appalled" the three men all had active roles in the church.

"It's the 'Unholy Trinity' and a window of what's been going on for generations – they're afforded more time and compassion and forgiveness than the victims," she said.

A hearing of the church's professional standards association today will determine whether Sharwood should be defrocked.

 
 

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