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The Catholic Church in Australia has declared it wants the truth exposed before the royal commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, and has pledged it will pay appropriate compensation to victims.
The chief executive of the Church’s Truth, Justice and Healing Council — which will represent the Church at the royal commission — said the experience will be embarrassing but it is imperative the truth emerges.
”We are going to encourage, wherever possible, individuals to come forward with their experiences so that the truth can come out,” said Francis Sullivan.
”The Church leadership in Australia have made it clear that they are going to be open and honest and co-operate fully.”
He said any existing confidentiality agreements would be cancelled so victims could tell their stories. On compensation, he said: ”We are dead keen on making sure that compensation, and appropriate compensation, is put in place.”
Sullivan said the task of the council also involves advising the Church on the best practice changes to protect children and prevent sexual abuse.
“This is a crucial task as the Church demonstrates through its actions that the welfare and safety of children are the highest priority,” he said.
When the royal commission opened its sittings on April 3, the chairman, Justice Peter McClellan, said more than 5000 submissions were expected, so it was unlikely that the deadllne of December 2015 would be met.
Justice McClellan said the commission would aim to right the wrongs of the past.
“Although a painful process, if a community is to move forward, it must come to understand where wrongs have occurred and so far as possible, right those wrongs,” he said.
“It must develop principles which, when implemented through legislation and changes in the culture and management practices of institutions and the behaviour of individuals, will ensure a better future for subsequent generations.”
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