AUSTRALIA
SBS
Source: AAP
25 MAY 2015
The Archbishop of Sydney has ordered a complete review of the archdiocese’s professional standards and safeguarding policies after a royal commission heard further shocking accounts of sexual abuse at the hands of clergy.
Speaking of the shame and disillusionment felt by clergy and faithful after sex abuse accounts and allegations, Archbishop Anthony Fisher says he is determined to ensure it never happens again in the church.
“We may feel disillusioned, contaminated, ashamed,” he said in a letter to Sydney Catholics on Monday.
“I am determined that we will do all we can to ensure such things never happen again in our church; that those entrusted with the care of the young and vulnerable `care for the lambs’ and keep them safe; and that those already harmed are brought justice and compassion.”
He said he would soon make announcements about further improvements to the Sydney Archdiocese professional standards and safeguarding practices, and he wanted the “best contemporary testing and discernment” for seminarians, as well as improved protocols and responses to allegations and the needs of survivors.
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