Archbishop Hart Reaffirms the Church's Position on a Public Inquiry

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
March 30, 2012

http://www.cam.org.au/melbourne-news/archbishop-hart-reaffirms-the-churchs-position-on-a-public-inquiry.html


The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, has issued a statement in response to an article in The Age newspaper (29/03/12) in which Father Tony Kerin, Episcopal Vicar for Justice and Peace, appeared to be supporting demands for a public inquiry into the Church's handling of sex abuse by clergy.

Archbishop Hart pointed out that whether or not an inquiry is called is a matter for the State, not for the Church. He reaffirmed his position as stated in The Age on 15 March 2012 that the Melbourne Archdiocese has nothing to hide from an independent inquiry.

"I am confident that any inquiry into the Melbourne Response process would confirm this," writes the Archbishop. "The Melbourne Response has functioned effectively since 1996."

The Archbishop states that Father Kerin is not his "advisor on sexual abuse issues" as was reported.

"Father Kerin has spoken to me to express his concerns about the article in The Age on 29 March. Contrary to what was reported, he [Father Kerin] has told me that he has not "called for an inquiry". He has said that what he told The Age is that an inquiry would clear the air", states Archbishop Hart.

"My pastoral concern in relation to the holding of a public inquiry is the impact which it could have on the many victims who have proceeded through the Melbourne Response, had their claims upheld and achieved some closure and reconciliation in their lives.

"I accept that some victims and advocates would welcome the opportunity to speak out, but this is not reflective of the views of the great majority of victims.

"It is therefore appropriate to wait and see the Government's position on an inquiry and what terms of reference are proposed. The Government has stated that it will be consulting with religious organisations on the recommendation for an inquiry. I reiterate my willingness to engage with government on these issues". Archbishop Hart said.