Call for Royal Commission into Church Sex Abuse

Newcastle Herald
August 6, 2012

http://www.theherald.com.au/news/local/news/general/call-for-royal-commission-into-church-sex-abuse/2643865.aspx

[To join the call for the royal commission, add your name to the petition here.]

The NSW Government needs to hold a royal commission into the Catholic Church's handling of sex abuse matters.

This petition follows an overwhelming public response to the disappearance and death of John Pirona, who left a letter saying he was in ‘‘too much pain’’ following his sexual abuse by a priest as a child.

It also follows Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Bill Wright’s ‘‘broad support’’ for an inquiry into the sex abuse issue, after acknowledging growing public calls for a royal commission.

The Newcastle Herald, which has mounted a sustained campaign on the issue, is responding to requests for a petition from people within the church, victims and their families.