Parishioners Told Anglican Priest Sexually Abused Children, Giving Them Alcohol and Drugs

ABC News
October 15, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-16/parishioners-told-anglican-priest-sexually-abused-children2c-g/6859192

PHOTO: Michael Cooper, who died in 2007, has been named by the diocese as a paedophile.

The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle has revealed a now dead priest, who once worked across the Hunter region, was a paedophile.

Bishop Greg Thompson released a statement overnight saying the Diocesan Professional Standards Office had verified information the late Hunter Valley reverend Michael Cooper had engaged in sexual abuse of children.

Before he died in 2007, he worked in the parishes of East Maitland, Telarah/Rutherford, Mount Vincent/Weston, Cessnock/Wollombi, Hamilton and Waratah.

Bishop Thompson said, as well as the abuse, Cooper supplied alcohol and prohibited drugs to minors.

A private meeting was held in Rutherford overnight where parishioners were informed of the revelation.

Bishop Thompson said the information has been reported to police, and has encouraged anyone with information about abuse to contact the Royal Commission, the Diocese or CrimeStoppers.

He said he is grateful to those who have had the courage to come forward.