Priest says church must clear the air

AUSTRALIA
The Leader

By Monica Heary Aug. 9, 2014

THE Catholic Church has to be more open about the sexual abuse that has clouded its name, a former Sutherland priest celebrating 50 years in the ministry has said.

“The church has to do away with secrecy looking at this issue and also at celibacy; these are real questions for it to consider,” said Father John Sullivan, 74.

The priesthood has been a long learning process for the retired parish priest.

Among the parishes where he has ministered are Marayong, Malabar and Concord.

He has been a Parramatta Psychiatric Centre chaplain and a private secretary to cardinals James Freeman and Edward Clancy. But it was while he was ministering to alcoholics that he received one of his most profound messages.

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