It is a simple question and it is a question that will cause angst for some.
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It is not poignant, it is not intolerable, and it is not meant to sway judgement.
It is just a question.
However, it is without a doubt one of the most important questions that a generation of parents - or future-parents - is quietly considering.
Can you introduce your children into a community that has allegations of sexual abuse against minors that dates back over decades, by members of that organisation that are placed at the highest level?
On February 26, a suppression order was lifted on the court proceedings of Cardinal George Pell.
Cardinal Pell was found guilty of sexually abusing two 13-year old choirboys at St Patrick’s Cathedral during his time as archbishop of Melbourne in December 1996.
The trial is over, for now. Cardinal Pell will appeal.
I was in quiet shock. I was raised in the Catholic education system and I value that.
There was no comment forthcoming from the church. Why were they so deathly quiet, so regimented, so without emotion? If there were a time for public appeal, wouldn’t it be now?
There is a generation that has watched the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse play out in the media.
There is a generation that has had to watch as their mates go down paths leading to drug abuse and suicide. They have had to watch others overcome abuse.
And, there is a generation that is in denial.
I’ve heard over and over again members of congregations deny the allegations against Cardinal Pell. I've heard people I admire greatly deny the entirety of the cases that have built up against the church.
While the church has taken steps to protect children in the future.
This includes a database of priests, and the NSW and ACT parliaments have introduced mandatory reporting for all adults who know of or believe that a child is being abused. This includes members of the clergy and ministers of religion.
However, is the church big enough to survive this to claim its own redemption?
Support for survivors
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- 1800Respect 1800 737 732
- Blue Knot Foundation 1300 657 380
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978