Archbishop Timothy Costelloe Issues Apology for Catholic Church's Failure to Prevent Child Sex Abuse

By Lucy Martin
The ABC News
December 11, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-10/archbishop-issues-apology-for-child-sex-abuse/5146114


The Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe has issued a public apology for the Catholic Church's failure to recognise and prevent the sexual abuse of children.

In an open letter to 100 parishes and the wider community, Archbishop Costelloe says he is sorry the abuse happened and ashamed that some church leaders did not adequately respond to allegations.

"The key message of the letter is really to acknowledge the terrible suffering of people who have been victims of sexual abuse by clergy and other church workers," he said.

"I really do feel ashamed of the actions of those who betrayed everything the church stands for.

"The words that I said are words that most Catholics would carry in their hearts I'm sure."

The apology comes as the Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse examines the Catholic Church's Towards Healing program, which was set up in 1996 to deal with complaints against it.

Archbishop Costelloe says the Royal Commission is an opportunity to confront sexual abuse and eradicate it from the church.

"The church isn't running away from this, it's fully aware of the terrible things that have been done by a very small minority of its members," he said.

"Because of the Royal Commission people want to know that the church is taking this seriously so that's the reason (I sent the letter)".

He also says he is considering placing specially trained officers in parishes to protect children and eradicate sexual abuse from the church.

"We would need to choose such people carefully, train them well and then provide them with the assistance they need," he said.

"The aim really is to make it as easy as possible for people who have suffered to bring their complaints forward and then make sure in each parish, everything that needs to be put in place, is put in place to make sure children are safe.

"The work of safeguarding children must never end and our vigilance must never be relaxed."