Despite crisis, do not fear, says Australian prelate
(July 07,2010) The Archbishop of Melbourne, Australia, is encouraging the faithful
to put aside all fear, despite the doubts and trials that have arisen in a time of
crisis in the Church. Archbishop Denis Hart wrote this in "A Pastoral Letter on Sexual
Abuse," dated July 1, in which he expressed his commitment to protect children in
the archdiocese and help the Catholics in his care. "We are all painfully aware that
our Church is now going through a terrible time of suffering and self-examination,"
the prelate stated. "The full extent of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and religious
continues to emerge, not only here in Australia but throughout the world. It continues
to cause great distress and in many cases a crisis of faith amongst Catholics," he
acknowledged. Archbishop Hart expressed his deep sorrow and a sincere apology to
all those victims, who have suffered the pain and humiliation of sexual abuse and
to their families. As your archbishop, I want you to know that I share in your desolation
and sense of betrayal," he added. "For me personally, this is one of the saddest times
of my 43 years in the Catholic priesthood," he said. Archbishop Hart underlined
the measures being taken by the archdiocese in order to address this problem. He reported
that over the past 14 years, some 300 people have been compensated as victims of sexual
abuse within the archdiocese. The archbishop noted that the archdiocese has also been
actively working to prevent future abuse, through procedures outlined in the 1996
Melbourne Response, child protection programs, and by rigorously screening candidates
for the priesthood. He also invited everyone to reflect on the dedicated work of
numerous priests worldwide, who work for the poor, the sick and the old