Pell Apology 'Not Good Enough'

Sky News
December 24, 2012

http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=829587


An apology made by Australia's most senior Catholic to those who suffered abuse at the hands of priests has been labelled a 'minimal response' by a child sexual abuse victims group.

In his Christmas message, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Cardinal George Pell said he was 'deeply sorry' for the hurt that had occurred, calling it 'completely contrary' to Christ's teachings.

But he did not specifically mention allegations of child sex abuse by members of the clergy, only those who 'suffered at the hands' of fellow Christians, Christian officials, priests and religious teachers.

Adults Surviving Child Abuse president Dr Cathy Kezelman said the Catholic Church needed to be more transparent and forthright about its role in the abuse of children over the years.

'It's an absolutely minimal response to express regret,' she told AAP on Monday.

'It's very important that we also acknowledge the failure of religious organisations, including the Catholic Church, to respond appropriately to victims.'

Efforts by the church to 'cover up' its role in the abuse of children meant many victims still had not received justice years later, she said.

Christmas in particular was a time when these survivors often felt the most isolated and alone as they reflected on the abuse committed from within a trusted authority.

'It absolutely challenges and rocks one's faith,' Dr Kezelman said.

'To have that ultimate betrayal by someone not only you should trust but is meant to be setting a moral compass.'

Cardinal Pell's message comes after the federal government this year announced a royal commission to investigate child abuse in Australia, including in the Catholic Church.

It follows claims abuse by clergy was covered up by Catholic Church hierarchy.

Faith in 'God's goodness and love' was needed 'to help those who have been hurt', Cardinal Pell said in his message.

'I am deeply sorry this happened,' he said.

'I feel too the shock and shame across the community at these revelations of wrongdoing and crimes.'

But spokesman for victims support group Broken Rites Dr Wayne Chamley said Cardinal Pell's statement represented a 'major shift' from his previous comments.

It was clear the church was under great pressure to come to terms with the scale of abuse within its ranks since the announcement of the royal commission.

'It's pleasing that he's opening up his heart to these people,' Dr Chamley told ABC television.

'They seem to now appreciate the scale of it.

'I don't think we've seen a statement in the past which was reflecting on the scale of what's gone on.'

Last week, the federal government announced the terms of reference for the royal commission would not be available until January, instead of this month.

In its submission to the government on the terms of reference, Broken Rites recommended that some form of reparation be made available for some victims.

Dr Chamley said the royal commission would be a turning point for Australia that would reveal the truth and ensure abuse of this scale never occurred again.

Bravehearts founder Hetty Johnston said Cardinal Pell had delivered an 'important message that needed to be said'.

Not all victims would find solace in his words, but it did represent a cultural shift taking place within the Catholic Church towards its role in historic child abuse.

'The silence, secrecy and the shame which the church have been leaders in, are the offenders' best friend and our children's worst enemy,' Ms Johnston told AAP.

'I think they're finally ready to face the demons and face the past and to hopefully put it behind them.

The royal commission, if done correctly, had the potential to make Australia the safest place in the world to grow up in, Ms Johnston said.