Catholic Church Sex Abuse "Cover up" Inquiry Opens

Courier Mail
February 12, 2013

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/catholic-church-sex-abuse-cover-up-inquiry-opens/story-fndo1uez-1226576947633

THE NSW inquiry into child sex abuse in the Catholic church and an alleged cover up that included members of the NSW Police force, had its formal opening today.

Commissioner Margaret Cunneen opened the special commission of inquiry into child sex abuse in the Maitland-Newcastle diocese, noting that the diocese has a “very troubled” history relating to child protection.

“Children are inherently vulnerable and innocent. The sexual abuse of children is abhorrent. It exploits their vulnerability, irreparably damages their innocence and casts a shadow over their whole lives,’’ Commissioner Cunneen said in her opening.

She said that if matters relating to the federal royal commission into child sex abuse and the church are raised in the NSW inquiry, the information would be passed on.

The commission will hold public hearings in Newcastle from May 6-17 and June 24-July12.

Commissioner Cunneen urged all alleged victims of the Newcastle priests Father Denis McAlinden and Father Jim Fletcher to contact the inquiry.