AUSTRALIA
ABC News
By Liz Farquhar and Emma Tonkin
The Catholic bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Bill Wright says Cardinal George Pell’s evidence to the Royal Commission completes a ‘disturbing picture’ of how the church dealt with child sexual abuse.
Bishop Wright issued a statement in the wake of this week’s evidence from Rome by Cardinal Pell to the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse.
He said he would not be providing a running commentary on his evidence, which he said was ultimately the Royal Commission’s role to hear and assess.
But Bishop Wright acknowledged Hunter region survivors of abuse would be finding it difficult to hear the ‘manifold failings’ of the church to protect children.
He said the evidence made clear the need for structured, thorough and independent oversight of all organisations providing services to children.
“It also shows the need for a consistent response to those who have suffered abuse,” he said.
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