Archbishop Hopeful of Papal Nod, by Verity Edwards, The Australian, September 23, 2011

Archbishop Hopeful of Papal Nod

By Verity Edwards
The Australian
September 23, 2011

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/archbishop-hopeful-of-papal-nod/story-e6frg6nf-1226144924547

The head of the Traditional Anglican Communion John Hepworth is hoping for an imminent reunion between his church and the Pope. Picture: Ray Strange Source: The Australian

THE head of the Traditional Anglican Communion, John Hepworth, is hoping a reunion between his church and the Pope will be ratified within weeks despite concerns his abuse complaints could hinder the process.

Archbishop Hepworth, who raised allegations in The Weekend Australian three weeks ago that he had been raped repeatedly by three Catholic priests more than 40 years ago, said yesterday he hoped his personal reconciliation with the Catholic Church would not have any impact on the unity.

The Catholic Church's leader in South Australia, Archbishop Philip Wilson, will visit Rome early next month to attend the annual Ad Limina meeting of bishops with the Pope.

Archbishop Hepworth's group, which splintered from the Anglican Church and wants to unite with the Catholic Church, has 400,000 members. "I think it will be a very successful resolution in the new year," he said.

The Queensland University of Technology said yesterday it would conduct an independent study on survivors of child sexual abuse by church personnel.