Priest Tells Abuse Inquiry That Church Needs to Change

By Danny Lannen
Geelong Advertiser
February 15, 2013

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/02/15/359353_news.html

Fr Kevin Dillon

GEELONG parish priest Fr Kevin Dillon has told a parliamentary inquiry into institutional abuse the Catholic Church needs to lose its arrogance dealing with victims.

Fr Dillon said at a hearing in Geelong today the church had focused on denial and protection of material assets rather than protection of human assets.

"The church expands its mission without looking at something which is fundamentally tearing at its heart," Fr Dillon said.

He said processes for dealing with victims had lost credibility and were beyond repair and the church's response to victims had been inadequate.

Fr Dillon's testimony drew a standing ovation from an audience of about 100 people.

Abuse victim Chris Pianto later told the inquiry of having been sexually abused by a Christian brother teaching at St Joseph's College for 2 years from 1971.

He told of having been groomed by the brother and later details wretching while being forced to perform oral sex.

Mr Pianto said he had often thought of the Catholic church as a club for pedophiles.