Time for Hiding Is over for Catholic Church

Herald Sun
January 12, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/time-for-hiding-is-over-for-catholic-church/story-e6frfhqo-1226552296469

The Catholic Church has copped the brunt of the accusations of child sexual abuse among its ranks. For 20 years it has faced a rightfully growing cacophony of blame.

For 20 years it has faced a rightfully growing cacophony of blame.

Mostly, its handling of abuse allegations is a lesson in how not to do things.

But the problem has run much deeper than the Catholic Church.

Individuals in organisations - church, state and welfare - have stolen the innocence of countless children and teens for decades. They've lived and sometimes died with their secrets.

Now, for all these organisations the time for hiding is over. Documents must not be kept in dusty filing cabinets. Secrets held tight over the generations should be told.

Details released yesterday by the Prime Minister Julia Gillard show broad terms of reference and a sturdy six commissioner-strong Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

No budget has yet been announced. This would be good to know, but establishing the voracity of the process and the commissioners involved in the inquiry is paramount at this time.

Ms Gillard said the Royal Commission would ensure the voices of child sexual abuse victims were heard and adults no longer turn a blind eye to such shocking crimes.

This inquiry should be honoured with full disclosure and honesty so the wound can start to heal.

Church and other community leaders should not try and deflect legitimate blame or take a tactic of "we weren't the only ones".

These approaches, similar to that used by Sydney Archbishop Cardinal George Pell when the commission was announced, worsen rather than heal pain.

Victims should be encouraged to step forward and be recognised for their courage in helping future generations.

But their suffering may well be heightened while this inquiry continues, while the sediment of rot is necessarily stirred.

An interim report is due by June 30 next year. And the terms of reference suggest the commission end in 2015 "but this could be extended". Victim groups say extension may be needed.

But in the interests of the those who need certainty for life ahead, a sense of justice and a belief that no system will ever protect abusers again, let's make sure there's not speed, but haste.

The commissioners should hit the ground, cover everything needed and produce direction and recommendations as soon as possible. Don't extend the suffering.