Hart Promises No More Clergy Abuse

SBS
May 31, 2013

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1773044/Hart-promises-no-more-clergy-abuse

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has pledged to ensure no new cases of child sexual abuse emerge. (AAP)

Melbourne's Archbishop Denis Hart has made a commitment to ensure no more cases of child sex abuse emerge from the Catholic Church.

Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has pledged to prevent any new cases of child sex abuse emerging from the Catholic Church, saying it has been "hit like a brick" by the scandal.

He said the church had had trouble coming to terms with the horror of so many priests and religious offending, but it was resolute in its commitment to addressing it.

"I take responsibility for ensuring there is no re-emergence of child sexual abuse in the church, that victims are treated fairly and compassionately, and that offenders are removed from contact with children," Archbishop Hart said on Friday.

"I speak on behalf of my fellow bishops and religious institute leaders when I say that we all share this commitment."

He said the church was suffering because of the scourge of sexual abuse.

"It's just hit us like a brick," he said.

"We almost couldn't believe it and now we must be really really resolute to continue addressing it."

Acknowledging failures of the past, Archbishop Hart said the church had changed and was committed to taking on recommendations made by Victoria's parliamentary inquiry into child sex abuse.

However, he stood by the Melbourne archdiocese's processes for dealing with abuse complaints, the Melbourne Response, which some victims want abolished.

He said many priests had been stood down under the Melbourne Response and no priest who had been dealt with through the process had reoffended against children.

"It is non-legalistic. It does not replace the legal system, but it has helped many victims who have not wanted to take legal action," Archbishop Hart said.

He said the church's action might be the reason many victims came forward.

"It may be the surge of victims coming forward is because the Melbourne Response is like that."

Speaking at a gathering of religious leaders in Melbourne, Archbishop Hart reiterated his apology to victims of clergy abuse and emphasised that the church had changed.

"We are totally committed to working with whatever is recommended by the inquiry," he said.

"We have changed.

"We are committed to being open and transparent."