AUSTRALIA
The Guardian (UK)
Australian Associated Press
Wednesday 15 March 2017
An Anglican bishop and advocate for child abuse survivors is resigning after being subjected to harassment, including being warned about his personal safety.
Greg Thompson will step down as Newcastle bishop to focus on his health after being ostracised by some of his own parishioners since revealing he was abused as a young man by senior church clerics.
Thompson said he had witnessed firsthand the culture and conduct from some sections of the church, both as an abuse victim and in his work to address the Newcastle diocese’s abuse legacy.
“When I started this journey to right the wrongs of child abuse in the diocese I didn’t expect to be in this position, nor did I expect to uncover systemic practices that have enabled the horrendous crimes against children,” he said on Thursday. “The decision to resign was not an easy one, it weighed heavily on my heart. However, I must place the wellbeing of my family and my health above my job.”
The child abuse royal commission has heard of a deep division in the Newcastle diocese, with some people believing a number of priests were unfairly disciplined over sex abuse allegations.
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