Remarkable U-Turn Comes after Lessons Learnt the Hard Way

By Barney Zwartz
The Age
October 2, 2013

http://www.theage.com.au/national/remarkable-uturn-comes-after-lessons-learnt-the-hard-way-20131002-2ut1u.html

Analysis

The Catholic Church in Australia has learnt some sharp lessons, Thursday's official submission to the royal commission shows.

The church, often described as the world's last mediaeval monarchy, seems to be coming reluctantly to terms with aspects of 21st century governance, which should not be confused with its unchanging magisterium, the official doctrines. Francis, elected Pope in March, has been promulgating a different attitude, wanting his cardinals to be pastors rather than princes, and the scandal-plagued Vatican bank has just disclosed its annual report for the first time.

This week, Sydney Archbishop George Pell is in Rome as part of the "G8" group of cardinals advising Francis on reforming the Vatican.

Not the least important lesson the Australian church has absorbed was the need to replace Cardinal Pell as its public face on the abuse issue.

Cardinal Pell insists he has been determined in tackling abuse and that his first priority has been the victims.

But those who have come forward have described a different response. After his catastrophic press conference "welcoming" the announcement of the royal commission last November, in which he blamed a "persistent" anti-church "press campaign", the nation's bishops moved swiftly to appoint a lay-led council to represent the church to the commission, and to the faithful and the public.

On Thursday that council presents the church's official submission to the council, and the document strikes a very different tone.

It readily acknowledges past failures. So, of course, did Cardinal Pell, but hedged with so many qualifications that his apologies failed to convince, and says the church is open to criticism and advice.

Those last five words deserve several exclamation marks: it is a truly remarkable U-turn. The submission makes it clear that the church accepts its days of secrecy and autonomy are over.