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	Labor Powerbroker Defends Archbishop By Michael Owen The Australian May 19, 2010 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/labor-powerbroker-defends-archbishop/story-e6frg6nf-1225868394650 LABOR powerbroker Don Farrell, a practising Catholic, has come to the defence of the Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson, over allegations he covered up clerical sexual abuse in the late 1970s and 80s. Senator Farrell, the leader of the ALP's powerful Right faction in South Australia, said he had faith in Archbishop Wilson, who has been suggested as a successor to the Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, if he takes a senior position in the Vatican. "I know Archbishop Wilson and I think he is a good man. He has categorically denied the allegations," Senator Farrell said. "It is an occupational hazard to have to fend off such things because of a high profile. As far as I am concerned, he has denied it, and I accept his word." ABC TV's Lateline program on Monday reported that Peter Gogarty, a victim of abuse by Jim Fletcher, a priest, had complained to police about a "conspiracy of silence" because he was preyed upon in the same house in which Archbishop Wilson lived in the late 1970s, in the diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. Mr Gogarty, who was 12 at the time, said he would often see the then junior priest as he was led in and out of the house by Fletcher, who died in jail in 2006. Archbishop Wilson has also been accused of covering up the sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl by Father Denis McAlinden in 1985 in Maitland-Newcastle. Senator Farrell asked why victims of sexual abuse involving other clergy were complaining about Archbishop Wilson's alleged mishandling of the matters. David Cappo, the Vicar-General of the Catholic Church's Adelaide diocese, yesterday said it would not be "appropriate" for him to comment on the matter. Archbishop Wilson yesterday declined to speak publicly about the allegations. Church sources said there seemed to be an agenda to try to link the historical abuse cases to Archbishop Wilson, a relative junior at the time of the offences, because he was now a high-profile member of the clergy. He was re-elected president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference 10 days ago. Catholic communications director Jenny Brinkworth said the allegations were "completely without basis" and that the archbishop would welcome the opportunity to be involved in and to assist any police inquiry.
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