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Keywords: Sexual Abuse

  • RELIGION

    The strengths and shortcomings of Church apologies

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 08 July 2010
    10 Comments

    Archbishop Denis Hart's letter of apology for sexual abuse by Catholic priests drew a variety of responses. Some expressed gratitude, others found it inadequate. The letter and responses invite broader reflection on the place of letters of apology by leaders of churches.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Church implicated in Canada's reconciliation project

    • Tom Clark and Ravi de Costa
    • 02 July 2010
    1 Comment

    Survivors of the Indian Residential Schools who testified to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission complained of shocking treatment, violence and sexual abuse. Testimonies left no doubt that Canada's churches were heavily culpable.

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  • RELIGION

    Funerals for criminals and abusers

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 27 May 2010
    23 Comments

    Many Catholics complained Carl Williams was allowed burial in a Catholic Church. Some victims of sexual abuse were angry that bishops and priests glorified the funeral of a priest who had been charged with sexual abuse. These responses reflect a changing understanding of funerals in the Church.

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  • RELIGION

    Catholic Church needs total reform

    • Pat Power
    • 23 April 2010
    81 Comments

    The crisis facing the Church arising out of sexual abuse is arguably the most serious challenge it has faced since the Reformation. Issues such as authoritarianism, compulsory celibacy, the participation of women and the teaching on sexuality cannot be brushed aside.

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  • RELIGION

    Abuse cases teach Church deportment under fire

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 15 April 2010
    17 Comments

    Every day brings new instructions about deportment to the Pope: he must sack bishops, resign, apologise, submit to independent investigation. Good deportment can be mere spin, but it is a first step to dispelling anxiety. And good deportment often helps to good attitudes.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Yes we can beat church sex abuse

    • Michael Mullins
    • 12 April 2010
    19 Comments

    In his Easter message, Cardinal George Pell made an oblique reference to sexual abuse in the Church. While most Australians dismiss such utterances as too little too late, it is possible to look at them optimistically when set against actions of the recent past.

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  • RELIGION

    Easter's image of compassion for abused and abusers

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 01 April 2010
    10 Comments

    It is appropriate to attend to the complex patterns of sin that are involved in abuse and its consequences. This kind of gaze resists the temptations to deny or to minimise the extent of sexual abuse and the harm done by it.

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  • RELIGION

    Best of 2009: Roman Polanski and clergy sexual abuse

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 14 January 2010
    6 Comments

    The case for Polanski's avoiding extradition has generally received a sympathetic hearing. The same sympathy is not generally shown to clergy who have been tried for less serious acts committed just as many years ago. October 2009

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  • RELIGION

    Roman Polanski and clergy sexual abuse

    • Andrew Hamilton
    • 02 October 2009
    22 Comments

    The case for Polanski's avoiding extradition has generally received a sympathetic hearing. The same sympathy is not generally shown to clergy who have been tried for less serious acts committed just as many years ago.

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  • RELIGION

    Ryan Report: crimes of the 'human' Church

    • Julian Butler
    • 15 June 2009
    18 Comments

    Eventually the Vatican will have to stand in solidarity with the victims of abuse. The Church is capable of acting well and badly. To separate individuals from the Church diminishes the responsibility of the whole body.

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  • AUSTRALIA

    Abuse comments fuel sectarian prejudice

    • Irfan Yusuf
    • 25 July 2008
    21 Comments

    Sheik Hilaly compared rape victims to 'uncovered meat'. Bishop Anthony Fisher stated parents of abuse victims were 'dwelling crankily on old wounds'. Unequal criticism of the remarks suggests sexual assault has been appropriated as a cultural or sectarian wedge.

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  • RELIGION

    Church abuse protocol is no joke

    • Frank Brennan
    • 22 July 2008
    27 Comments

    Pope Benedict's apology to abuse victims included a directive to the local church to extend compassion and justice. The Church's 'Towards Healing' protocol is not a cheap substitute for criminal prosecution or civil liability.

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