The Archdiocese of Brisbane welcomes the arrival of the McClellan Royal Commission and promises full cooperation and support.
As part of this commitment, the Archdiocese is currently collating files and documents in compliance with an initial ‘notice to produce’ served by the Commission in mid-March 2013.
The Archdiocese will not hesitate to provide the necessary staff and resources to ensure the Commission receives the information it needs to proceed.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane stressed how important it was that the private hearings give victims a chance to tell their stories in the search for justice.
“We must put survivors and those damaged first”, Archbishop Coleridge said.
“They need to be supported and encouraged to speak, and their voices need to be heard, particularly if they have been silenced by fear and shame. It will be painful, even traumatic for many.
“The Royal Commission will also help the Church face the truth of its response to child sexual abuse.
“The Commission is a very public chance to apologise and to accept the many ways in which we have failed.
“The Royal Commission is also an opportunity to identify the best possible way to ensure that the response now and in the future is better than in the past and to provide healing and justice for all.
“I stand ready to move in a new direction, by reconsidering our current abuse prevention policies where necessary and by adopting any changes recommended by the Royal Commission,” he said.
Released by The Archdiocesan Communication Office
June 11, 2013