Former Bishop Michael Malone Prays for Hunter Valley Sexual Abuse Victims
By Dan Cox
The former bishop of the Catholic Church in the New South Waled Hunter Valley has told an inquiry into clergy sexual abuse he prays every day for the victims of paedophile priests. Former Maitland-Newcastle bishop Michael Malone will be excused from the inquiry after giving some final evidence in camera today. He finished giving public evidence late yesterday, concluding with a statement that he read to the commission. "It will probably take some years to rebuild the confidence that's been lost in the Catholic Church," he said. "I pray daily for the victims of sexual abuse, asking God to grant them peace of mind, healing and reconciliation with all people, including the Catholic Church." The inquiry is investigating claims the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Church covered-up abuse by two priests, James Fletcher and Denis McAlinden. The public hearings are expected to resume later today or tomorrow with the former bishop's vicar general Father James Saunders scheduled to give evidence, followed by Father Bill Burston. Late yesterday, the Commissioner Margaret Cunneen asked bishop Malone if the number of child sexual abuse incidents in the diocese were "greatly out of proportion" when compared to others. But bishop Malone was not able to answer the question. Peter Gogarty from Vacy in the Hunter Valley was abused by Fletcher and says he does not think the region is worse than any other. "The community here, the media here and some of the victims here have said we will not let this go," he said. "There is a serious endemic problem in the Catholic Church and I think the Hunter Valley has really lead the way in pursuing that issue."
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.