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	Archbishop Releases Pastoral Letter on Sexual Abuse Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne July 2, 2010 http://www.cam.org.au/news/archbishop-releases-pastoral-letter-on-sexual-abuse.html Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart has today issued a Pastoral Letter in response to the recent international focus on the issue of sexual abuse. “This year is proving to be a distressing and sorrowful time for all Catholics throughout the world as well as here in Australia, “ says Archbishop Hart. “In the Melbourne Archdiocese we have been dealing with this abhorrent issue for some 14 years. “It is only in recent times that this issue has emerged in other countries to the extent it has, “ adds Archbishop Hart. “Here in Australia the 1970’s were the worst period of reported sexual abuse cases. Most of the complaints relate to incidents from 30 to up to 80 years ago. “The number of proven reported cases of abuse occurring in the last ten years here in Melbourne have declined to less than a hand full. But even that’s too many for me”. The Archbishop has pledged to continue the Melbourne Archdiocese’s strong response to allegations of sexual abuse -which provides care, counselling, support and compensation to sexual abuse victims and deals with offenders. In his Pastoral Letter, the Archbishop expresses his deep sorrow and sense of betrayal over the sexual abuse scandals confronting the Catholic Church in Australia, and around the world. “As Archbishop of Melbourne, I once again express my deep sorrow and offer a sincere and unreserved apology to all victims of sexual abuse, and to their families,” writes Archbishop Hart. “Sexual abuse in any form, and any attempt to conceal it, is a grave evil and is totally unacceptable. As Christ’s Church we must face up to the truth of these revelations and not attempt to disguise, diminish or avoid in any way the actions of priests and religious who have betrayed their sacred trust. “The criminal offences and breaches of vows committed by some priests and religious bring shame upon the entire Church. How can we Catholics not be shocked and shamed?” asks Archbishop Hart. In apologising again to all victims of sexual abuse and their families, Archbishop Hart says that the Melbourne Response process, introduced in 1996 in consultation with Victoria Police, “goes a long way towards addressing compassionately the issue of sexual abuse in the Melbourne Archdiocese”. “The Archdiocese is currently discussing with the Police how best we can continue to facilitate cooperation and assistance between the Archdiocese and Police”, says Archbishop Hart. The Archbishop records that in the past 14 years, about 300 people have been compensated as victims of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese. Most of the complaints relate to incidents which occurred decades ago. Few complaints have been received of abuse which has taken place since the 1970s. “We have sought to do everything in our power to bring these victims aid, consolation and, if possible, reconciliation with the Church. They have been given access to compensation, on-going counselling and medical support”, writes Archbishop Hart. “Victims have had the unfettered ability to take their complaint to the Victoria Police. Indeed, they are encouraged to do so. We do understand, however, that not all victims want to go to the Police. Nor do all complaints involve criminal offences that the Police can investigate. Of the victims to whom compensation offers have been made by the Melbourne Response, five have not yet accepted the offers. “Some 86 offenders have been identified over an 80-year period, of whom 60 were priests of the Melbourne Archdiocese. Of these priests, 35 are now deceased and the remainder have been dealt with in accordance with the recommendations of the Independent Commissioner under the Melbourne Response.” Turning to the issue of prevention of sexual abuse, Archbishop Hart points out: “Since 1996, we have introduced procedures to protect parishioners and children against sexual abuse, and processes have been developed and applied to deal with offending clergy. “We ensure that there is rigorous screening of all people who aspire to the priesthood, and seminarians are required to undertake study of the Church’s code of conduct for priests and religious on integrity in ministry. “I can only invite you to reflect upon the vast majority of our upright and generous priests and religious who dedicate themselves to the care and pastoral needs of their people and the decent and dedicated Catholics whose selfless work in the interests of children, the sick and the underprivileged daily speaks of a generous faith and of a faithful Church.” The Archbishop concludes his Pastoral Letter by re-dedicating himself and the Archdiocese to serve and care pastorally for all of the Church’s people and the protection of all of its children.
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