Newcastle Anglican priests speak out about their own childhood abuse, as Synod agrees on formal apology

ABC News
October 25, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-26/newcastle-anglican-priests-speak-out-about-their-own-childhood-/6883978

Newcastle Anglican priest, Les Forester reveals he was sexually abused as a child in a video interview broadcast to members of the Synod in Newcastle. Photo by Liz Farquhar

Two Hunter Anglican priests have spoken of the sexual abuse they experienced as children, as Newcastle's Bishop admits the diocese protected perpetrators.

Newcastle's Anglican Bishop Greg Thompson addressed members of the Synod who met on Saturday.

His address covered a range of issues from domestic violence to climate change, but child abuse within the church was the main focus.

"We had cultures that dissuaded people from speaking of their experience," he told the Synod.

"We had cultures that protected abusers."

The Synod heard a recorded interview with two Hunter Anglican priests, Reverend Les Forester and Reverend Bob Peattie, who recounted their experiences of being sexually abused as children.

Reverend Forester said at the time, he thought he was going to die.

"I was absolutely terrified, I can recall my whole body shaking and I can recall thinking if this doesn't end or I don't get out of here somehow, I'm going to die."

Reverend Peattie explained how the abuse left him feeling worthless and depressed for much of his life.

"It sort of manifested itself in my lack of self esteem and continuous suicidal thoughts," he said.

"If I'd had a gun I would have shot myself on numerous occasions, because I was just sick and tired of it."

He described the abuse as pure evil.

"It can't be described any other way, it's pure evil, it's life changing."

Bishop Thompson thanked the men for their bravery.

"This is troubling listening and I am grateful, so grateful that they have been willing to speak so that we might learn."

The Synod then voted unanimously that a formal apology from the Newcastle diocese be recorded acknowledging the "shameful" way it worked against those who reported abuse.

Reverend Forester said a cultural change is needed within the Newcastle Anglican diocese.

"It's been part of the church's culture to be silent and be silent about the silence.

"So it's a culture thing that all of us can contribute to for good or for ill.

"I sometimes wonder if it might be a good idea to have an audit to see how the processes that we've put in place are going.

"I think we are the right path, I think we've still got a way to go.

"I think there's lots of safeguards in place, that make (abuse) far less likely.

"I think we're much more vigilant and on the look out.

"So I think we're on the way, however, predators are clever."

Bishop Thompson said more reforms are needed.

"We need to have practises in our parishes that affirm that children will be seen and heard.

"Heard in our churches and heard in our families.

"We must welcome our children and listen to them.

"We must also hear from the children of the past."