Church Promises Better Support after Bishop's Resignation

By Bruce MacKenzie
ABC News
May 18, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-18/church-promises-better-support-after-victims-resignation/4697826

The Anglican Diocese of Grafton says it is developing a new approach to better support victims of abuse following the shock resignation of a local bishop.

The Right Reverend Keith Slater resigned as bishop yesterday over his handling of about 50 claims of acts of physical, sexual and psychological abuse at the North Coast Children's Home in Lismore, on the New South Wales mid-north coast.

The abuse took place between the 1940s and 1980s.

Reverend Slater acknowledged that he did not pass on some matters to the church's professional standards director for investigation.

He has apologised to those involved, and says the question of legal liability clouded the issue.

The Diocese says he made a serious error of judgement that resulted in some abuse survivors not getting appropriate support.

The alleged perpetrators of the abuse included staff, visiting clergy, host families and other residents.

Thirty-nine of the claims had been settled through negotiated payments before the offer of financial compensation was withdrawn.

The bishop's failings were uncovered during an internal audit which was launched ahead of the royal commission.