BishopAccountability.org
	Church Leaders Feel for Young Victims By Danny Lannen Geelong Advertiser November 5, 2008 http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/11/05/28701_news.html GEELONG Catholic Deanery members hope young victims can emerge unscathed from ordeals associated with the offences and conviction of Meredith Catholic priest Edmund John Haines. Haines was convicted yesterday to four years and three months jail for multiple child sex crimes. Deanery spokesman Fr Kevin Dillon lamented the pain caused. "No matter what words you come up with, they're not really adequate," Fr Dillon said. "The response on behalf of the deanery and on a personal level is one of great sadness, for John himself and you can't look at these things in isolation of so many people affected by a sorry, sorry situation. "First and foremost there are the young people involved and one hopes not too much damage is sustained by them. "There are only losers all round and no winners in this, unfortunately. "It's very sad, people have to come to terms with that on all levels but the young people with their families have got to come first and foremost in all of this. "We can't forget, we can't take our eye off the damage done. Even the court proceedings would have been very traumatic for everyone involved." Fr Dillon also expressed regret for Meredith parishioners." Fr Dillon said Haines had expressed nothing but remorse for his offences. "I've only had a couple of conversations with John since the charges, his response was one of enormous shame, regret and contrition for the harm that it has brought," Fr Dillon said. "His attitude has never been defensive or justifying." Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese leaders expressed sorrow. "The crimes are incompatible with the life of a priest," a statement said. "We are deeply sorry for pain and suffering that has been caused."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.