By Mark Jeffery
WestEnder
July 11, 2008
http://www.westender.com.au/stories.php?s_id=966
A full apology to people abused by Catholic Church clergy, employees and lay people would be a significant part of healing says Esther Centre advocate and coordinator Karyn Walsh
"On behalf of the survivors of abuse in churches Esther Centre is asking Pope Benedict XVI to formally and fully apologise to people who have been abused by the Catholic Church," says Karyn.
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"This apology is important not only for the abuse but also for the years of cover up by church officials to help heal people who have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused by priests and other people in the church.
"The pope's Australian visit for World Youth Day is an ideal opportunity to make an apology and help heal the hurt felt by thousands of people throughout Australia. Many, who as youth, had their life course radically changed due to the abuse they experienced.
"Esther Centre has supported over 3000 individuals over the last ten years. And we support the call from Broken Rites in Victoria for the Pope to apologise in a way that includes survivors of abuse, strongly acknowledges past abuses and is more than a media publicity opportunity.
"Pope Benedict XVI, senior bishops and clergy need to participate in an apology process similar to the one given by the Australian federal parliament to the stolen generations.
"In addition to many state inquiries there have also been two federal Senate inquiries where the abuse of many Australians is on public record. Yet the Catholic Church and others still refuse to respond in a strong and meaningful way," says Karyn.
The Esther Centre for addressing abuse in human services and faith communities provides support for people who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional or spiritual abuse in church institutions, faith communities and human services.
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