Church Sex Abuse Inquiry: Former Gladstone Park Priest Tells of Catholics 'Horror'

By Dan Moss
Macedon Ranges Weekly
January 28, 2013

www.macedonrangesweekly.com.au/story/1258695/church-sex-abuse-inquiry-former-gladstone-park-priest-tells-of-catholics-horror/?cs=12

A VAST majority of Catholics were "horrified" and "overwhelmed" by reports of child sexual abuse and "want something done", former Gladstone Park priest Philip O'Donnell has said.

Mr O'Donnell, who also served in Sunbury, told a Victorian Senate inquiry into how the churches handle child sex abuse that "countless thousands" of victims in Victoria had not yet come forward and reported abuse at the hands of church representatives.

A former priest who served from 1969-99, Mr O'Donnell said he "knew" sexual abuse of children occurred, and he reported it. But he faced years of the claims being deferred and "swept under the carpet".

The 'Melbourne Response', a protocol that the Catholic church used to deal with reports of sexual abuse against priests and other church staff, should be disbanded, he said.

Priests continue to hire school staff, including principals. In cases of sexual abuse by priests, staff can be threatened with termination of their employment should they report it.

"I ask, is it ethical for a party to potential criminal activity to legally enforce contracts that sideline and silence those with information that may not be favourable to that party?" Mr O'Donnell said.

The inquiry began by taking submissions early last year and will continue to investigate child abuse under the auspices of religious and other organisations despite a Federal Royal Commission being announced on the matter.

Catholics for Renewal (CFR) also made a submission to the inquiry that the church was not the appropriate body to investigate allegations of abuse.

CFR secretary Frank Burke said "far-from-adequate" protocols that the church used to deal with "confirmed offenders" of child sexual abuse did not ensure investigation.

Chairwoman Georgie Crozier said the Victorian inquiry had already "formed some views" on the way its report would go.

The next hearing will be held in Geelong.