Bishop Peter Ingham Apologises to Sexual Abuse Victims, by Vera Bertola, Macarthur Chronicle, July 23, 2010

Bishop Peter Ingham Apologises to Sexual Abuse Victims

By Vera Bertola
Macarthur Chronicle
July 23, 2010

http://macarthur-chronicle-campbelltown.whereilive.com.au/news/story/bishop-peter-ingham-apologises-to-sexual-abuse-victims/

IN a heartfelt and candid pastoral letter, Bishop of Wollongong Peter Ingham has admitted the leadership of the Catholic Church failed parishioners in the diocese by its tardiness to address child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy and lay members.

Bishop Ingham's apology was read or watched on DVD in all churches across the Macarthur region, Southern Highlands, Illawarra and Shoalhaven on July 17. Stepping outside of the shadows of some of the church's most shameful secrets and cover-ups, Bishop Ingham was unreserved in his regret.

"I offer my sincere apology to those who have suffered abuse at the hands of a member of the cerly or indeed, any person representing the Catholic Church, particularly one who was ministering in the name of the Diocese of Wollongong. You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry," he said.

Bishop Ingham told the Macarthur Chronicle he had been encouraged into action by the feedback from recent community pastoral planning consulations across the diocese. "The abuse kept coming up at the consultations. People told of their pain, shame and anger about the abuse," he said. "My apology was necessary in this climate."

Bishop Ingham said he had not consulted Sydney Archbishop George Pell, who has so far only endorsed others' apologies to victims rather than make his own, before going ahead.

In his letter, he also referred to the recent case of former Macquarie Fields, Glenfield and Fairy Meadow parish priest Kelvin Gerald Sharkey who was sentenced to 15 months goal for child sexual abuse going back 40 years. Bishop Ingham said he needed to reassure people in the diocese that the church was committed to the protection of children and young people and and was "not sweeping anything under the carpet".

"We are committed to addressing concerns," he said.

In his pastoral letter he encouraged people with any complaints to take them to the relevant authority. They also could contact the church's Towards Healing helpline on 1300 369 977 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1300 369 977 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or talk to Sr Moya Hanlen in his office on 4253 0900.