BishopAccountability.org
	Church's Apology a Start, but Victims Need Support The Courier July 4, 2010 http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/opinion/editorial/general/churchs-apology-a-start-but-victims-need-support/1876039.aspx AN APOLOGY to sex abuse victims is what the Victorian Catholic Church hopes is another step forward in a gradual healing process. Whether it provides some solace to abuse victims or is seen as a method of placating concerns among its own parishioners is questionable. The statement on the weekend from Melbourne's Catholic Archbishop Denis Hart, expressing his outrage at the continued allegations against the church, was a strong message. It is also one that those who remain sceptical about the church's actions to heal the wounds of abuse say we have heard before. Unfortunately, the level of cover-up associated with past abuse cases means that revelations involving abuse continue to be brought to the surface sometimes decades after it occurred. There is little the church can do but to continue to respond in a manner which reassures those involved that it will continue to make righting past wrongs its highest priority. The issue remains particularly sensitive in the Ballarat region. While it is counterproductive to repeatedly highlight the details of case after case of abuse in our city, there are many people and families which remain broken by the affects of abuse. For those victims, we suspect there is no amount of apologising which can lead to forgiveness of the perpetrators. Nor do we expect those who stood by and did nothing to stop abuse to be greeted with any sympathy. But positive actions should be taken as they intended. That is with respect to those who are willing to break the historically insular church environment to challenge the way the church deals with its past. "I consider it most important that I write to the people, explain to them how outraged I am and try and give the complete facts so that people can understand the Church is really determined and absolutely resolute to work on this matter," Bishop Hart said. We hope Bishop Hart's message is one which is supported by Bishops across Australia and, indeed, across the world. For an apology is a good step. A determination to support and provide real closure for abuse victims would be greeted with even greater enthusiasm. For victims, the actions of the church will always speak louder than words.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.