Statement by Archbishop Christopher Prowse regarding the sentencing of Cardinal George Pell
Wednesday, 13th March 2019
The conviction and now sentencing of Cardinal Pell has profoundly disturbed the Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn/Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
Given Cardinal Pell’s appeal of this decision, further comments on the matter from the Archdiocese will not be given.
Once again, we commit ourselves to stand alongside all survivors of sex abuse. We continue to ensure child safe environments in all we do.
All of this is taking place during the penitential liturgical season of Lent. We find ourselves at a fresh Calvary. We wait in faith and hope for the dawn of Easter.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse
Catholic Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn
Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga
Thank you for acknowledging survivors. I also acknowledge no survivors who suffered through abuse……..families and friends who suffer with them. We love in the light of resurrection of all people.
A considered and genuine response.
As a practising catholic, I implore the hierarchy of the Catholic Church to act now and try to restore our faith in it !Don’t “bury your head in the sand”, show leadership and begin the healing process.
We gave to Caesar ( The State) that which is Caesar’s, and the State did not let us down. Through the legal system and The Royal Commission, the voices of the victims of child abuse have been heard. We are reassured that justice will run full course. And, that all help by way of healing and support will be provided. Systems are in place to ensure that children can feel safe again. We need to congratulate the brave people, and those who shared the journey, for their perseverance to keep the course.
Those who consciously gave to Caesar now wonder what must be given to God. Can we pledge our support and determination not to allow such evil to dwell within our shores again? The cries of the children have shaken the doors of The Vatican. Like domino bricks offenders are being exposed and are falling. Amazement, guilt and contrition are palpable up and down the Church’s structure. No one can answer how we allowed such a mortal sin to flourish, or, even survive among the custodians of our faith. Such evil can only be ousted through prayer, fasting and a continuous process of consultation and dialogue among the faithful. Evil could’t find a foothold in the open light where it would be exposed.
Amen & thank you for your prophetic words: “….all of this is taking place ……we wait in faith & hope for the dawn of Easter”. Amen!
I feel so sad about it. The terrible decision in the past to cover for horrible unmentionable crimes against children has ruined the good work of so many good people in the Catholic Church. I wish to be clear: whoever has committed those crimes needs to be punished harshly, yet we should also be careful about mistakes. Nothing is worse, for an innocent person, than to be accused of crimes he/she did not commit.