BishopAccountability.org
	Bishop Apologises for Clergy Sex Abuse ABC News August 8, 2008 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/08/2328638.htm A New South Wales bishop has publicly apologised to the victims of sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy. About 500 people including victims, relatives and politicians last night gathered at Newcastle's Sacred Heart Cathedral, in the NSW Hunter region, to hear the apology.The Bishop of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese apologised to the victims and for his own mistakes in dealing with the issue. The congregation applauded as Bishop Michael Malone delivered his address, which comes after Pope Benedict's apology to victims last month. Bishop Malone said the diocese was committed to doing more to support victims. During the service, victims were invited to place an olive tree branch and personal symbols of abuse in front of the cathedral's altar. A woman called Anne, who was a victim of sexual abuse, says the apology will help victims to heal. "We witnessed something special. A significant turning point," she said. "I think one of the hymns, 'Come from darkness into light', that's exactly what this diocese has done. "We've had a lot of negative stuff in the past and it's amazing where we've come from to where we are today and it's a journey that we've experienced. It's just great." She said she would like priests to give victims more active support. "I think the priests in this diocese need to follow that response and support their community," she said. "In the past, community's have been split because we were looked upon because we were thought of doing the wrong thing, so priests need to take a stand and believe the victims. "I think that is very important. Tonight we had a lot of positive things, that obviously leads to change, so it's a very good start."
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