In view of the reporting of Rabbi Yosef Feldman’s evidence at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, the Guardian is publishing his position as set out in his written statement of 6 February 2015, read out by him at the commission hearing on 9 February 2015.

I have followed the evidence of the victims of sexual abuse at this hearing and I have read their statements. I have been affected by that evidence. I agree wholeheartedly with the statement my father gave yesterday.

I feel deeply sorry for the suffering they have experienced from the sexual abuse that they have suffered as children. I am also deeply sorry for the pain that they have experienced as a result of the vilification and abuse from the community for having reported or publicised that abuse.

I agree without qualification that it is obligatory to immediately report all allegations of sexual abuse to the police.

I agree that such an obligation arises whenever that sexual abuse is alleged to have occurred and whatever the form of that sexual abuse.

I agree that people in the Jewish community should be encouraged to report child sexual abuse to the police without, in any way, being subjected to shunning or bullying or being labelled a moser.

I agree that all rabbis should receive training in how to identify, handle and report sexual abuse and educate our community about child sexual abuse. It is our duty as rabbis to convey a clear message to the whole community that victims of child sexual abuse who have complained to the police should be supported.

I regret that anything I have said or written in the past about matters of child sexual abuse which may have caused any victim or any family member of any victim to experience pain or suffering.