Priest Investigation to Examine Complaints

Sydney Morning Herald
July 23, 2012

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/priest-investigation-to-examine-complaints-20120723-22jbm.html

An independent Catholic Church inquiry will consider whether the church appropriately managed allegations of sexual abuse involving a former NSW priest known as Father F.

The former priest, who was connected to the Parramatta and Armidale dioceses, allegedly abused altar boys during the 1980s.

The dioceses of Armidale and Paramatta on Monday released the terms of reference for the independent inquiry, announced earlier this month.

It will examine the history of Father F's appointments, ministry and activities, and the way in which complaints by his alleged victims were handled.

It will also look at what occurred during a meeting between Father F and senior Catholic figures in 1992 and investigate the events leading to Father F's sacking from the ministry in 2005.

"The Diocese of Armidale and the Diocese of Parramatta will continue to co-operate fully with the police and all relevant authorities to ensure that any criminal conduct is investigated and dealt with appropriately," the statement says.

The inquiry, to be conducted by former Federal Court judge Antony Whitlam QC, was commissioned by the Catholic bishop of Armidale, Michael Kennedy, and the Catholic bishop of Parramatta, Anthony Fisher.

A NSW police taskforce is also investigation the allegations.