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