Address by Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald to the. Maroochydore, Queensland. 2pm 3pm. 4 September 2017
|
|
- Betty Griffith
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Address by Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald to the Anglican Church s 17 th session of the General Synod Maroochydore, Queensland 2pm 3pm 4 September 2017 Introduction Thank you for inviting me to address your 17 th session of the Anglican Church s General Synod today. I am aware that the Chair of the Royal Commission has addressed the annual Bishops Conference on two occasions, so I am thankful at being able to address, not only Bishops but also members of clergy and lay members of the Church at this important decision making meeting. Indeed the decisions you make this week will be viewed not only by members of your Church but also the wider community and will reflect in part on the Church s learnings from the work of and involvement with the Commission. They will be examined by survivors of abuse to see what has been heard by the Church s leadership in the telling of their stories. These decisions will demonstrate your commitment as a Church to create a safer, more just and responsive institution across the nation and in all its work. 1
2 The Royal Commission background and update I speak to you today as the Royal Commission moves towards the completion of its work at the end of this year. The Royal Commission was set up in 2013 to uncover where systems have failed to protect children. We have investigated how institutions such as schools, churches, sports clubs, residential care providers and government organisations have responded to allegations and instances of child sexual abuse. Overall we have identified more than 4,000 institutions where the sexual abuse of children is alleged to have occurred. There are three pillars of the inquiry that inform our work and the development of our findings and recommendations: public hearings, private sessions and policy and research. We have held 57 public hearings into dozens of institutions. We have sat in public for more than 440 days and heard from more than 1,200 witnesses. To date the Commissioners have held more than 7,200 private sessions, read more than 1,000 written accounts and referred more than 2,250 people to authorities, mostly police. The Royal Commission has also undertaken an extensive policy and research program that draws upon findings from public hearings, information from private sessions, submissions, consultations with stakeholders and research commissioned by the Royal Commission and other material. Our research program has also generated new research- 2
3 based evidence. We have worked with over 70 key experts in the field - both in Australia and internationally - across more than 30 universities and research centres. There has never been such a large scale, crossjurisdictional focus on child sexual abuse in Australian institutions, and research on this very specific topic is limited. Our final reports on Working With Children s Checks, Redress and Civil Litigation and our recently released Criminal Justice Report have been among our most important work to date. As some of you may be aware, on 15 December 2017 the Royal Commission will present its Final Report covering its investigations to the Governor-General. The Final Report will make recommendations that aim to support and inform Australian governments, institutions and the general public in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse in institutional contexts. In particular, there will be a volume on religious organisations which will make recommendations for religious organisations that cover areas such as the Child Safe Standards, complaint handling and information sharing. Within that volume there will be specific recommendations for the Anglican Church of Australia. Public hearings Over the last four years, the Royal Commission has conducted public hearings in relation to 116 institutions. 3
4 The matters examined in a public hearing were carefully chosen. There were a large number of institutions reported in private sessions and elsewhere and there were necessary limits on the Royal Commission s resources. It was plain that hearings were needed to examine the responses of religious institutions, given that, as at the end of May this year, almost 60 per cent of people we heard about in private session reported abuse in those institutions. Overall almost nine percent of survivors reported abuse in an Anglican institution. Out of all religious institutions, we heard from the second-highest number of survivors in relation to Anglican Church institutions. The Commission held eight case studies that examined Anglican institutions. Such bodies include the North Coast Children s Home NSW, Church of England Boys Society (CEBS), The Hutchins School Hobart, St Paul s School Brisbane and the Diocese of Newcastle. We also examined Anglican-affiliated schools including Trinity Grammar and the King s School in Sydney in our public hearing inquiring into the responses to children with problematic or harmful sexual behaviours in schools. Anglican data project We also held a review hearing in March this year into the current policies and procedures of Anglican Church authorities in Australia in relation to child protection and child-safe standards, including responding to 4
5 allegations of child sexual abuse. A data survey of the 23 Anglican Church dioceses in Australia was undertaken. The Anglican data project was undertaken with the cooperation and assistance of the General Synod and each of the 23 dioceses in Australia which completed the data surveys. The Royal Commission is very grateful for this assistance. The resulting report was tendered into evidence during the review hearing and is available on our website. The results of the data survey provided further evidence of the significant level of claims and complaints of child sexual abuse in relation to Anglican institutions. The data underrepresents the level of claims and complaints for the Church as some Dioceses did not include data in relation to affiliated schools or community welfare agencies. Further it is likely that the claims or complaints received thus far significantly underrepresents the level of abuse in Anglican institutions as demonstrated by the fact that only 34% of private sessions attendees have ever reported their abuse to the relevant institutions. Of the 23 Anglican dioceses surveyed, 22 reported that they had received one or more complaints of child sexual abuse between 1980 and Overall, 1,085 complainants alleged incidents of child sexual abuse in 1,119 reported complaints to Anglican Church dioceses. The 1970s had the largest proportion of first alleged incidents of child sexual abuse 25 per cent of the overall alleged abuse reported occurred 5
6 in this decade. Seventy- five per cent of complainants were male and 25 per cent were female. The average age of when they were allegedly abused was 11 years of age for both sexes. The average time between the alleged abuse and the date a complaint was made was 29 years. The data showed that a total of 569 alleged perpetrators (ordained clergy, lay employees including teachers and volunteers) were identified in complaints of child sexual abuse. Additionally, 133 alleged perpetrators whose identity was not known were the subject of complaints. Of all alleged perpetrators, 94 per cent were male and 6 per cent were female. Overall the Royal Commission has referred more than 2,250 people to authorities, mostly the police, with a view to the possible prosecution of an offender. As of August this year we have made 106 referrals to police in every state and territory in relation to allegations of child sexual abuse involving Anglican Church institutions. During the review hearing, Anne Hywood, General Secretary of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia, acknowledged the Church s failure in regards to protecting children. Ms Hywood told the hearing; In confronting our failings, we are ashamed. We have had to face that we have not always protected the children we were trusted to care for. It is clear that there were times when we did not act as we should and we allowed harm to continue; we did not believe those who came forward, we tried to silence them; we cared more about the church s reputation than those who had been harmed. 6
7 Ms Hywood also said the Church recognised a national approach to child protection and we commend this. Our actions in responding to child sexual abuse cannot be limited by our structures, our culture or our differences. We recognise the imperative for a nationally consistent approach to child protection and a structure to deliver the best possible response to those who have been harmed in our care. We accept the challenge - and we are committed to taking action, Ms Hywood said. Religious Institutions Whilst many aspects of abuse were common to all institutions we heard that where abuse had taken place within a religious institution the victim s own religious communities may have contributed to the risk of abuse, acted as a barrier to disclosure or impacted adversely on institutional responses. Often the word of a minister was automatically accepted over the word of a child. The status afforded to people in religious ministry blinded community members to seeing the signs of abusive behaviours and gave unfettered access to children in multiple environments. Too often perpetrators would use their special relationship with God as a means of intimidating, manipulating and disempowering victims, not only in the acts of abuse but also to prevent the child disclosing what had happened. Sometimes children were told that they were the wrong doer, they had committed a sin, and they would be punished if they ever told. 7
8 The impacts for all survivors of child sexual abuse in institutions can be profound and long lasting. For those where the abuse occurred within a religious institutions there are distinctive impacts including: a loss of faith, spiritual confusion, estrangement from their religious community, family breakdown and loss of trust in authority. The impacts extended beyond the victim and their families and we have seen extraordinary damage to religious communities where disbelief is replaced by anger, shame and confusion as to the true values of their church, which seem to have been so compromised in the responding to claims and complaints. Further in responding to claims and complaints too often both internal and external advisers to leaders of religious institutions provided advice without regard to the damage already done to survivors and recommended processes and procedures that had the effect of causing further trauma and often leading to people giving up on their just claims because of the brutality they experienced. So often such advice given in the name of acting in the best interests of the church, did incalculable damage to victims. Ironically, when such practices have been eventually exposed the church s reputation has been severely damaged. In relation to internal disciplinary matters within religious institutions we have also seen evidence of confusion around issues of forgiveness and accountability leading to perpetrators not being held to account and sometimes going on to reoffend after forgiveness was given. Further, conflicts of interest have not been sufficiently identified and resolved, leading to severely flawed processes. Such processes have not been either 8
9 fair or just to victims or ultimately the alleged perpetrators. They have made such institutions look at best incompetent and at worst biased. Anglican Case Studies As I mentioned before, the Commission held eight case studies that examined Anglican institutions, three of which examined the responses of Anglican dioceses. The most recent of these was Case Study 42, which inquired into allegations of child sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy and lay people involved in or associated with the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. The Royal Commission heard evidence of the past and present systems, policies and practices in place within this diocese for responding to instances and allegations of child sexual abuse. The Royal Commission also heard evidence about the institutional culture in the Diocese of Newcastle and at the clergy training college at St John s College, Morpeth. The report for this case study will be published in the coming months. Case Study 42 was the third case study in relation to an Anglican Diocese. The first was Case Study 3, which examined the Diocese of Grafton s response to claims of child sexual abuse at the North Coast Children s Home. This case study examined the way the Diocese of Grafton handled allegations that staff, clergy and other residents at the home had sexually 9
10 abused children who lived at the home between 1940 and The Royal Commission heard evidence from then Primate of the Anglican Church in Australia, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall, about the structural barriers he felt restricted the Anglican Church s handling of complaints. The Royal Commission found that representatives of the Diocese of Grafton adopted a legalistic and hard line approach to a group claim by former residents of the home. The Royal Commission found that the diocese did not follow its own policies for handling claims of sexual abuse or responding to survivors. In Case Study 36, the Royal Commission inquired into the response of the Church of England Boys Society, to allegations of child sexual abuse made against lay people and/or clergy involved in or associated with CEBS. The historical and contemporary responses to these allegations of abuse, by the Anglican dioceses of Tasmania, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, were also examined in the case study. In this case study, the Royal Commission found that there were networks of perpetrators in CEBS who had knowledge of each other s sexual offending against boys and who facilitated the sexual abuse of boys in or associated with CEBS. The Royal Commission found that most CEBS branches could operate in an autonomous and unregulated way. The Royal Commission found that these factors, combined with the nature of the activities run by CEBS such as overnight trips and camps, provided access to boys and opportunities to sexually abuse those boys. 10
11 The Royal Commission found the CEBS National Council s only formal response to child sexual offending was to revoke the CEBS national awards given to certain offenders. The council considered making a formal apology over child sexual abuse offending in 2008 and 2009 but decided against it. In addition, the Anglican Dioceses of Tasmania, Adelaide and Brisbane had three separate independent inquiries into child sexual abuse but no investigation or inquiry conducted by the church looked into whether there was an organised network of offenders within CEBS or a culture that facilitated child sexual abuse. This is despite the fact that those dioceses and the national Anglican Church knew about child sexual abuse at CEBS and the relationship between offenders. In the institutional review hearing early this year, the Commissioners heard evidence regarding the structural, governance and cultural factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of child sexual abuse at Anglican Church institutions in Australia, or affected the institutional response of Anglican Church authorities in Australia to child sexual abuse. The review hearing required that each dioceses prepare and provide a comprehensive statement outlining the diocese s position on 51 questions relating to child safety. This involved significant work, and many of you here today, particularly registrars, diocesan bishops and assistant bishops, had considerable involvement in that work. Thank you for your efforts. Those statements have been an invaluable resource for us as we consider the responses of the Anglican Church and consider what recommendations to make for other religious organisations. It is our hope that those statements will be a useful resource for you as you consider responding to the final recommendations of the Royal Commission. 11
12 During the review hearing, we heard about factors which were somewhat unique to the Anglican Church. In particular, we heard about how the dispersed authority of the Anglican Church of Australia has contributed to the lack of a nationally consistent approach across dioceses in responding to allegations of child sexual abuse. This was of some concern to us, and truthfully, difficult to understand why. On one hand we were told that child protection, more than any other issue, was one in which the dioceses worked together. On the other, we heard that there were divergent approaches to child protection emerging across various provinces of the Church. We heard that while most dioceses had robust child safe systems in place, some did not. We were told that the Anglican Church was still working towards having those minimum standards implemented across the board. We also heard that there was no national approach, or agreed minimum standards in respect of the selection, screening and training of candidates for ordination. We heard about the unique pressures that members of clergy face in parish ministry, particularly in regional areas. We heard that there was no national approach, or agreed minimum standards in respect of professional supervision and support for clergy. We do acknowledge that despite variations in different dioceses and agencies, there has been considerable work done across the Church in establishing a professional standards framework and enacting ordinances that seek to regulate the behavior of clergy and lay persons. 12
13 Nevertheless, we do consider that consistency of approach across dioceses and affiliated agencies, particularly in respect of meeting minimum standards for child safety, is an important issue. We are not aware of any theological differences among Anglican Church dioceses when it comes to child safety but there are structural and cultural barriers to working together that need to be overcome in order to have a shared national approach. Surely it is time to act in the best interests of children and survivors of abuse and to develop a nationally consistent approach to these critical issues. Culture During the course of our work the Commissioners have learnt much about the way in which an institution s culture may contribute to, or facilitate, the abuse of children in its care. We know that enhancing institutional accountability encourages positive changes in institutional behavior. In our case studies we heard about bishops and other senior leaders within the Anglican Church who: supported cultures in which the nature and impact of offending were minimised allowed perpetrators to continue to hold positions of authority within the diocese 13
14 prioritised the reputation of the Anglican Church and of individual members of the Church, particularly those in positions of power and influence, above the needs of children. These issues highlight the need for formal oversight and accountability for leaders in the Anglican Church. We also heard about the significant impact that lay people can have on diocesan responses. We heard that lay people, and particularly the involvement of women, has been a significant factor in combatting clericalism in the Church. We also heard that the impact of lay cultures, or particular local cultures, that have not come to terms with the impacts of child sexual abuse, and the importance of child safety can undermine diocesan responses. Some laity and clergy seem to continue to hold on to long discarded myths including: that children are not reliable witnesses, that adult survivors who take a long time to disclose lack credibility, that survivors are only after money, that the problem has been exaggerated or that this is an historic issue which has passed. The lack of coherent, nationally consistent responses to survivors and the issues of child sexual abuse more generally, allows these attitudes to persist and facilitates the retention of unsatisfactory practices and procedures. 14
15 This really underscores how crucial it is to embed child safety across all parts of an organisation. As we were told during the review hearing, child safety is not just a matter for diocesan bishops, or people in committees, it is everyone s responsibility. I encourage all members of the General Synod here today to be advocates for child safety in each and every diocese as well every school and agency affiliated with the Church. Redress We heard about the significance impact that meaningful and appropriate responses to child sexual abuse can have on survivors. This included the positive impact that face to face meetings with diocesan leaders, with an apology, can have on outcomes for survivors. We understand that there may be some concern about joining a national redress scheme, possibly due to the diocese wanting to ensure that this particular part of a redress scheme is still offered. I would expect that a national redress scheme would include this option for survivors. Indeed, our recommendations clearly recognised three elements: an institutional response where it is sought by survivors, an assessment and monetary response through a national redress process, and lifetime access to counselling and physiological services for those eligible under the redress scheme. As mentioned, we have heard from hundreds of people who have been abused in Anglican institutions throughout private sessions. Many of these people, for their own reasons, have not reported these matters to the Church. 15
16 A national redress scheme is designed to create a more independent way by which claims can be assessed and bring about equitable outcomes irrespective of which institution or jurisdiction the abuse occurred in. There are people who need assistance but who will only access an independent scheme, no longer trusting institutional based arrangements. Their views need to be respected. I encourage you as a prominent body to seriously consider joining the national redress scheme. The community, survivors and I suspect many of your own adherents would expect no less. Further, the Church s own individual or pastoral response needs to be carefully thought through, informed by survivors and responsive to the unique harms caused by abuse within religious bodies. Such abuse has shattered people s faith in an institution that once dominated their early lives and betrayed their belief systems cultivated within such a religious community. Child Safe Standards An entire volume of the Royal Commission s final report will be on making institutions child safe. However, we have published our work on child safe standards early so institutions are able to work on their child safe practices without having to wait for our final recommendations. 16
17 The ten standards that we have identified are: 1. Child safety is embedded in institutional leadership, governance and culture 2. Children participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously 3. Families and communities are informed and involved 4. Equity is promoted and diversity respected 5. People working with children are suitable and supported 6. Processes to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse are child focussed 7. Staff are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children safe through continual education and training 8. Physical and online environments minimise the opportunity for abuse to occur. 9. Implementation of child safe standards is continuously reviewed and improved. 10. Policies and procedures document how the institution is child safe. These elements apply to the Anglican Church of Australia and all other institutions. All who have leadership responsibility in the Anglican Church must inform themselves about the principles and ensure that their institution puts them into practice. The Anglican Church must strive to become not only a safe place for children but also an institution that places the interests of children above all other considerations. Congregational members, ministers, staff and volunteers need to understand this commitment and all policies and procedures need to be adapted to enshrine such an approach. Training, professional supervision, ongoing community education within the Church community and 17
18 developing robust compliance systems will all be key elements in the implementation and maintenance of these standards. Driving Change The Commission has a view that it takes multiple responses and the activation of multiple policy levers to achieve genuine, long lasting improvements in responding to the survivors of child sexual abuse, holding perpetrators to account and creating safer institutions. Already the Commission has made recommendations that if adopted will be relevant to the Anglican Church of Australia. These include recommendations that will affect the civil liability of institutions in particular by reversing the onus of proof in relation to the duty of care owed by an institution and introducing criminal penalties for individuals within institutions who fail to report suspicions of child sex crimes. We have also recommended a new failure to protect offence where a person with requisite knowledge and authority in an institution fails to protect a child from a significant risk of sexual abuse. We have encouraged changes to litigation practices with institutions urged to adopt a model litigant approach and embrace trauma informed approaches to complaint handling, redress and care. We will be making recommendations in relation to mandatory child protection reporting requirements and reportable conduct schemes that will affect all people in religious ministry. 18
19 Our recommendations are seeking to create the impetus for institutions to reorient their attitudes and responses to child sexual abuse. Ultimately, whilst external measures will help progress reforms, cultural change is the critical factor that will drive improvements in institutions and that must come from within. It needs to be embedded in and through institutional systemic and structural reform. It needs to be embraced, promulgated and sustained by the leadership of the organisation. For religious organisations restoring the trust and confidence of the community will rest on their willingness and ability to bring about reforms that reflect their proclaimed values not only in rhetoric but in practice. Conclusion We acknowledge that the challenge ahead for the Anglican Church is significant. We acknowledge that many in the Church may feel battered by what has been revealed and betrayed by those who they trusted. Yet over the course of our nearly five-year term, the Royal Commission has seen fundamental change occurring in the way institutions are managed with the introduction of many practices designed to protect the safety of children. We acknowledge the important work that the Anglican Church has done, and continues to do, in this area. The community expects institutions to give priority to the safety and wellbeing of the children that are in their care and those that do not change will lose the confidence of the Australian community.. 19
20 The evidence is surely sufficiently compelling for all engaged in the leadership of the Church to require all aspects of the Church including parishes and dioceses, schools and community service agencies, to come together as one in restoring the trust and confidence of the community in this Church through adopting sound policies, procedures and values. The ultimate aim is for this institution to act in the best interests of the most vulnerable, both children and survivors of abuse. As the Commission moves towards the completion of its work in December this year the task which is posed to all of you is to continue to make sure that the Anglican Church makes the changes necessary to ensure, as far as may be possible, children are not abused in the future. 20
Truth Justice and Healing Council
Statement from the Truth Justice and Healing Council Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse Case Study 50 Catholic Church authorities in Australia 6 February 2017 page 1 Statement
More informationPromoting. a safer church Safeguarding policy statement for children, young people and adults
Promoting a safer church Safeguarding policy statement for children, young people and adults The Archbishops Council 2017 Published in 2017 for the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of
More information15.2 SAFE MINISTRY WITH PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A SEXUAL OFFENCE OR ARE THE SUBJECT OF A NEGATIVE FINDING
Section 15 Safe Ministry Practice 15.2 SAFE MINISTRY WITH PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A SEXUAL OFFENCE OR ARE THE SUBJECT OF A NEGATIVE FINDING The Anglican Diocese of Newcastle sees as a central
More informationTRINITY METHODIST CHURCH, GLASLLWCH LANE, NEWPORT SAFEGUARDING POLICY
TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH, GLASLLWCH LANE, NEWPORT SAFEGUARDING POLICY Statement of Safeguarding Principles Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humanity in God
More informationAnglican Diocese of Melbourne Preventing Violence Against Women project. University of South Australia 23 March 2017.
Anglican Diocese of Melbourne Preventing Violence Against Women project. University of South Australia 23 March 2017. Genieve Blackwell Thank you for the opportunity to speak today and share the experience
More informationStatement of Safeguarding Principles
Appendix III Model Safeguarding Policies as amended Oct 2016 Statement of Safeguarding Principles Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God s own image
More informationNational Office for Professional Standards
The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand GUIDELINES FOR THE PREVENTION OF AND RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND 1. Principles The Catholic Church believes that
More informationGrievance and Conflict Resolution Guidelines for Congregations
Grievance and Conflict Resolution Guidelines for Congregations 1.0 Introduction The Congregation is committed to providing a safe environment where the dignity of every individual is respected and therefore
More informationTranscript of Press Conference
Transcript of Press Conference MON 12 NOVEMBER 2012 Prime Minister Canberra Subject(s): Royal Commission into child sexual abuse E & O E PROOF ONLY PM: I'm here to announce that I will be recommending
More informationCODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT FOR CHURCH PERSONNEL
CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT FOR CHURCH PERSONNEL June 2016 Table of Contents I. Preamble 2 II. Responsibility 3 III. Pastoral Standards 3 1. Conduct for Pastoral Counselors and Spiritual Directors 3 2. Confidentiality
More informationSafeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy for Welshpool Methodist Chapel.
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy for Welshpool Methodist Chapel. This policy was agreed at a Church Council held on 10 th October 2017. The Methodist Church, along with the whole Christian
More informationDIOCESE OF PALM BEACH CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT FOR CHURCH PERSONNEL
DIOCESE OF PALM BEACH CODE OF PASTORAL CONDUCT FOR CHURCH PERSONNEL Table of Contents I. Preamble 2 II. Responsibility 3 III. Pastoral Standards 3 1. Conduct for Pastoral Counselors and Spiritual Directors
More information33/13 Domestic violence and educating clergy
96 Ordinary Session of Synod : Proceedings for 2016 33/13 Domestic violence and educating clergy (A progress report from the Domestic Violence Task Force.) Key Points The Task Force has undertaken consultation
More informationChapter 33 Fr Quinton* 100
Chapter 33 Fr Quinton* 100 Introduction 33.1 Fr Quinton is a member of a religious order. He was born in 1935 and ordained in 1960. He worked abroad for a number of years and then returned to Ireland.
More informationCode of Conduct for Lay Leaders Code of Conduct for Lay Leaders
Code of Conduct wwwwwwwww 1. Introduction 1.1 The Uniting Church in Australia is committed to providing safe places where people are cared for, nurtured and sustained. In order to fulfil this commitment,
More informationEXECUTIVE SUMMARY. The mandate for the study was to:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The study of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests and deacons resulting in this report was authorized and paid for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) pursuant
More informationAnglican Church Newcastle Strategic Directions and Work Plan
Anglican Church Newcastle Strategic Directions and Work Plan 2018 2021 RELEASED 26 APRIL 2018 1 Introduction from The Bishop Dear sisters and brothers, It is an incredibly humbling experience to be called
More informationREPT Proportion of priests and non ordained religious subject to a claim of child sexual abuse
REPT.0011.001.0001 Proportion of priests and non ordained religious subject to a claim of child sexual abuse 1950 2010 FEBRUARY 2017 1 REPT.0011.001.0002 Contents Introduction... 3 Key terms... 4 Number
More informationANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BRISBANE STRATEGIC PLAN & REPORT
ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BRISBANE STRATEGIC PLAN & REPORT 2012-2015 Anglican Diocese of Brisbane Page 1 of 10 VISION STATEMENT FOR ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF BRISBANE The Anglican Church is united in its efforts to
More informationHealing and Hope. Resources suitable for worship and prayer in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Healing and Hope Resources suitable for worship and prayer in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse FEBRUARY 2018 These suggested resources can be used in
More informationTen Years Later Reflections on the Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Archdiocese of Boston January 4, 2012
Ten Years Later Reflections on the Sexual Abuse Crisis in the Archdiocese of Boston January 4, 2012 The life of the Church in the Archdiocese of Boston (and throughout the world) was forever changed by
More informationB25 NSW/ACT SYNOD 2. LEADERSHIP AND SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE (SSC) COMPOSITION
1. OVERVIEW AND CONTEXT B25 NSW/ACT SYNOD The NSW/ACT Synod covers approximately 811,802 km² supporting 13 Presbyteries and more than 400 Congregations, Faith Communities and Parish Missions. There are
More informationFaith-sharing activities by Australian churches
NCLS Occasional Paper 13 Faith-sharing activities by Australian churches Sam Sterland, Ruth Powell, Michael Pippett with the NCLS Research team December 2009 Faith-sharing activities by Australian churches
More informationGuidelines for Intervention/Response To Clergy Addicted to a Substance or Behavior
Guidelines for Intervention/Response To Clergy Addicted to a Substance or Behavior I. Overarching principles: All forms of addiction damage relationships with self, other people and God. And, as Christians
More informationGENERAL SYNOD WOMEN IN THE EPISCOPATE. House of Bishops Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests
GS Misc 1076 GENERAL SYNOD WOMEN IN THE EPISCOPATE House of Bishops Declaration on the Ministry of Bishops and Priests I attach a copy of the Declaration agreed by the House of Bishops on 19 May. William
More informationPITTSBURGH. Issued: March 1993 Revised: October 2002 Updated: August 2003 Updated: August 2006 Updated: March 2008 Updated: April 2014
Issued: March 1993 Revised: October 2002 Updated: August 2003 Updated: August 2006 Updated: March 2008 Updated: April 2014 CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH Clergy Sexual Misconduct The teaching of the Church,
More informationSexual Ethics Policy For Clergy 1 of the Oregon Idaho Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Sexual Ethics Policy For Clergy 1 of the Oregon Idaho Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Statement of Policy: Clergy and employees of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of The United Methodist
More informationThis Pastoral Statement by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, was issued February 21, 2002.
I Will Appoint Over You Shepherds After My Own Heart A Pastoral Statement Cardinal Roger M. Mahony Archbishop of Los Angeles Los Angeles, California February 21, 2002 This Pastoral Statement by Cardinal
More informationGuidelines for the Creation of New Provinces and Dioceses
Guidelines for the Creation of New Provinces and Dioceses Approved by the Standing Committee in May 2012. 1 The Creation of New Provinces of the Anglican Communion The Anglican Consultative Council (ACC),
More informationOur Statement of Purpose
Strategic Framework 2008-2010 Our Statement of Purpose UnitingCare Victoria and Tasmania is integral to the ministry of the church, sharing in the vision and mission of God - seeking to address injustice,
More informationTitle First name Middle names Surname
Office for Ministry Development Anglican Diocese of Newcastle Application Received: CA Approved: LLA Approved: AP Approved: Application for a new Licence or for the Renewal of a Licence as a Chalice Assistant
More informationNATIONAL PROPERTY POLICY FOR THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA
November 2010 NATIONAL PROPERTY POLICY FOR THE UNITING CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE Resolution 10.73.02 This document is to replace the previous Policy document: Property Policy in a
More informationCODE OF ETHICS AND MINISTRY PRACTICE
Uniting Church in Australia CODE OF ETHICS AND MINISTRY PRACTICE for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia (whether in approved placements or not) Approved by the Twelfth Assembly July 2009 In this
More informationCODE OF ETHICS AND MINISTRY PRACTICE
Uniting Church in Australia CODE OF ETHICS AND MINISTRY PRACTICE for Ministers in the Uniting Church in Australia (whether in approved placements or not) Approved by the Twelfth Assembly July 2009 In this
More informationAnglican Diocese of Bendigo. Strategic Plan We see a diocese where. Living faith Building community Healthy churches
Anglican Diocese of Bendigo Strategic Plan 2017-2019 Living faith Building community Healthy churches Introduction And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
More informationACCREDITATION POLICY
1. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Baptist Churches of South Australia Inc ACCREDITATION POLICY This Accreditation Policy has been prepared by the Accreditation and Ordination Committee in accordance with Clause
More informationSexual Abuse Crisis in Church
September In the Heartland Sexual Abuse Crisis in Church By Bishop Richard Pates Bishop of Des Moines The report of the Grand Jury investigation of six dioceses in Pennsylvania on sexual abuse by priests
More informationTABLE OF CONTENTS. Letter from the Bishop Page 4. I. Theological Content Page 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Bishop Page 4 I. Theological Content Page 5 II. Diocesan Policy and Procedures Concerning Allegations and Incidents of Sexual Misconduct Page 7 i. Policy ii. Definitions
More informationAuthority in the Anglican Communion
Authority in the Anglican Communion AUTHORITY IN THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION by The Rev. Canon Dr. Alyson Barnett-Cowan For the purposes of this article, I am going to speak about how the churches of the Anglican
More informationDIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX
DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS Revised: November 30, 2012 CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT For all who Work With, or Have Regular Contact with Youth
More informationPastoral Code of Conduct
Pastoral Code of Conduct ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON Office of the Moderator of the Curia P.O. Box 29260 Washington, DC 20017 childprotection@adw.org Table of Contents Section I: Preamble... 1 Section II:
More informationCatholic Equity and Inclusive Education Consultation Findings
Catholic Equity and Inclusive Education Consultation Findings In a review of consultation responses the following general themes/patterns emerge: There is some support for the policy as it is currently
More informationGuidelines for Handling Abuse Allegations against a Church Leader. A. Why a Procedure for Handling Abuse Allegations Is Necessary
Guidelines for Handling Abuse Allegations against a Church Leader Note: Following is a consolidation of guidelines that CRC Synods have adopted over time, as a supplement to the Church Order, to equip
More information10648NAT Diploma of Ministry (Insert Stream)
10648NAT Diploma of Ministry (Insert Stream) BSBWOR502 Lead and manage team effectiveness 1 Establish team performance plan 2 Develop and facilitate team cohesion 3 Facilitate teamwork 4 Liaise with stakeholders
More informationMC/17/20 A New Framework for Local Unity in Mission: Response to Churches Together in England (CTE)
MC/17/20 A New Framework for Local Unity in Mission: Response to Churches Together in England (CTE) Contact Name and Details Status of Paper Action Required Resolutions Summary of Content Subject and Aims
More informationTHE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Position Title: General Secretary Department: General Secretary Immediate Supervisor: The Primate Subordinate Positions: Director of Communications and Information Resources
More informationDIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA. Code of Pastoral Conduct. Preface
DIOCESE OF ALEXANDRIA Code of Pastoral Conduct For Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers Preface The Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers,
More informationSt. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 202 W. Kronkosky Street Boerne, Texas 78006
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church 202 W. Kronkosky Street Boerne, Texas 78006 November 9, 2018 Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, MSpS Archdiocesse of San Antonio 2718 W. Woodlawn Avenue San Antonio,
More informationSocial Justice Sunday Statement 2000
Social Justice Sunday Statement 2000 Introduction History of the Project Woman and Man: One in Christ Jesus Practical Steps Decisions Commission for Australian Catholic Women Proposals Introduction In
More informationEPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
EPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH Bishops exercise a ministry of oversight over a diocese. They work with clergy and lay leaders to ensure the mission, unity and good governance of God
More informationADDRESS Address. The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall. The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall. Archbishop of Brisbane. Archbishop of Brisbane.
ADDRESS Address by by The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall The Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall Archbishop of Brisbane Archbishop of Brisbane to the to the First Session of the 79th Synod Third Session
More informationIt has looked at schools - public and private - including some of the country s most prestigious.
SPEECH Blackfriars Lecture Series - Australian Catholic University The Royal Commission and the unique challenges for the Catholic Church Francis Sullivan CEO Truth Justice and Healing Council Tuesday
More informationExploring the Code of Ethics
Exploring the Code of Ethics Growing in knowledge and understanding about the Code of Ethics and Ministry Practice: a resource for ministers to use with church councils, congregations and agencies This
More informationPreparing for the 2020 Australian Plenary Council
Preparing for the 2020 Australian Plenary Council This second article in the series looking at particular councils, examines the initial preparations for the 2020 Australian Plenary Council. Further articles
More informationDiocese of Derby Clergy File (Blue File) Storage and Access Policy.
Diocese of Derby Clergy File (Blue File) Storage and Access Policy. Storage of Clergy Files All Clergy Files are kept at The Bishop s Office at The Bishop s House, 6, Kings Street, Duffield, Belper, DE56
More informationTHE DIOCESE OF GIPPSLAND AND ANGLICAN SCHOOLS. 1. Anglican Schools in Australia
THE DIOCESE OF GIPPSLAND AND ANGLICAN SCHOOLS 1. Anglican Schools in Australia The Anglican Church has a long history of involvement in education. Across Australia, Anglican Schools provide us with a spectrum
More informationChurches Child Protection Advisory Service. Good Practice for Working With Faith Communities and Places of Worship Spirit Possession and Abuse
Churches Child Protection Advisory Service Good Practice for Working With Faith Communities and Places of Worship Spirit Possession and Abuse Places of worship are often on the frontline when it comes
More informationCode of Conduct for Priests and Deacons. Promulgated by. The Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes. As particular law relating to the
Code of Conduct for Priests and Deacons Promulgated by The Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes As particular law relating to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee First promulgated June 1, 1998 Revised edition
More informationAble to relate the outworking of vocation to ordained ministry in the church, community and personal life.
Ministry and Vocation in the Church of England Be able to give an account of their vocation to ministry and mission and their readiness to receive and exercise ordained ministry as a priest within the
More informationGUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW PROVINCES AND DIOCESES
GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW PROVINCES AND DIOCESES RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE ANGLICAN CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL GUIDELINES FOR THE CREATION OF NEW PROVINCES AND DIOCESES The following extracts from Reports
More informationLet the Light of Christ Shine
Let the Light of Christ Shine A white paper to address the dual crisis facing the Catholic Church in the United States October 2018, subject to continuing review and revision Leadership Roundtable 415
More informationREPORT ON OUR PARISH LISTENING SESSION REGARDING THE ABUSE CRISIS
Church of the Presentation 271 West Saddle River Rd. Upper Saddle River NJ 07458 www.churchofpresentation.org REPORT ON OUR PARISH LISTENING SESSION REGARDING THE ABUSE CRISIS Dear Parishioners, Once again
More informationThe First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ. Policies and Procedures for a Safe Church
The First Church in Oberlin, United Church of Christ Policies and Procedures for a Safe Church Adopted by the Executive Council on August 20, 2007 I. POLICY PROHIBITING ABUSE, EXPLOITATION, AND HARASSMENT.
More informationCatholic Diocese of Toowoomba TOOWOOMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CHARTER
Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba TOOWOOMBA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS CHARTER Mission for Education in the Church Catholic schools are places where people learn how to live their lives, achieve cultural growth, receive
More informationRemembering our future
ST MARK S REVIEW A JOURNAL OF CHRISTIAN THOUGHT & OPINION Remembering our future The response of Australian churches to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child
More information10647NAT Certificate IV in Ministry (Leadership)
10647NAT Certificate IV in Ministry (Leadership) BSBLDR403 Lead team effectiveness 1 Plan to achieve team outcomes 2 Lead team to develop cohesion 3 Participate in and facilitate team work 4 Liaise with
More informationNovember 9, The Most Reverend James Powers Bishop of the Diocese of Superior 1201 Hughitt Ave PO Box 969 Superior, WI Dear Bishop Powers:
November 9, 2018 The Most Reverend James Powers Bishop of the Diocese of Superior 1201 Hughitt Ave PO Box 969 Superior, WI 54880 Dear Bishop Powers: We, the members of the Pastoral Council of Saint Patrick
More informationModel Policies and Procedures for Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse 1
Model Policies and Procedures for Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse 1 General Statement of Guidelines 2 The [name of diocese, religious community/institute, or organization] will manage the issue
More informationCOMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP
COMPASSIONATE SERVICE, INTELLIGENT FAITH AND GODLY WORSHIP OUR VISION An Anglican community committed to proclaiming and embodying Jesus Christ through compassionate service, intelligent faith and Godly
More informationResponding to the Evil of Sexual Abuse Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention June 2008
Responding to the Evil of Sexual Abuse Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention June 2008 Noticing the impact of sexual abuse on Catholics and the Catholic church in recent years, the Bylaws
More informationThe Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM)
Review of Child Safeguarding Practice in the religious congregation of The Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM) undertaken by The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland
More informationRECTIFICATION. Summary 2
Contents Summary 2 Pro Life All Party Parliamentary Group: Resolution letter 3 Letter from the Commissioner to Dr Nicolette Priaulx, 24 October 16 3 Written Evidence received by the Parliamentary Commissioner
More informationCOMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: PROPOSALS
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: PROPOSALS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: CHASING THE SPIRIT... 2 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: ABORIGINAL MINISTRIES... 3 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: A THREE-COUNCIL MODEL... 4 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: A COLLEGE
More information32. Faith and Order Committee Report
32. Faith and Order Committee Report Contact name and details Resolution The Revd Nicola Price-Tebbutt Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee Price-TebbuttN@methodistchurch.org.uk 32/1. The Conference
More informationAGENDA. (1) The Goal and Purpose of SafeR Church
1 NOTE: The Chat feature will be open throughout the webinar, so please feel free to type in a question or comment at any time. The Voice option will be activated several times during the webinar for anyone
More informationFOR THE SAKE OF GOD S CHILDREN
FOR THE SAKE OF GOD S CHILDREN DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON Revised 2015 DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON POST OFFICE BOX 2030 WILMINGTON, DE 19899 PHONE: (302) 573 3100 FAX: (302) 573 6817 pbossi@cdow.org MOST REVEREND
More informationCode of Conduct for Ministry to Children. Within the Anglican Church Southern Queensland
Code of Conduct for Ministry to Children Within the Anglican Church Southern Queensland 1: ABOUT THIS CODE On 23 September 2017, the Anglican Church Southern Queensland (ACSQ) adopted the Safe Ministry
More informationDARE TO STEP OUT? Exploring your vocation to ministry as an evangelist with Church Army
DARE TO STEP OUT? Exploring your vocation to ministry as an evangelist with Church Army 2 DARE to step out? DARE to step out? 3 Contents Welcome 3 Welcome from Church Army Chairman and Chief Executive
More informationGUIDELINES ON ISSUES OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
THE RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OUTSIDE OF RUSSIA GUIDELINES ON ISSUES OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Adopted & Effective December 9, 2014 Index Preface
More informationGeneral Policy On Sexual Offenders for Church of the Open Arms, UCC
General Policy On Sexual Offenders for Church of the Open Arms, UCC Church of the Open Arms UCC, is an open and affirming congregation and as such affirms the dignity and worth of all persons. We are committed
More informationTo of fer. healing, to re store. trust. The Diocese of Honolulu responds to the sex abuse cri sis
To of fer healing, to re store trust The Diocese of Honolulu responds to the sex abuse cri sis To of fer healing, to re store trust The Diocese of Honolulu responds to the sex abuse cri sis Published
More informationU.S. Bishops Revise Part Six of the Ethical and Religious Directives An Initial Analysis by CHA Ethicists 1
U.S. Bishops Revise Part Six of the Ethical and Religious Directives An Initial Analysis by CHA Ethicists 1 On June 15, 2018 following several years of discussion and consultation, the United States Bishops
More informationArchdeacon for Rural Mission. Role Information Pack
Archdeacon for Rural Mission (Growing in God in the Countryside Project Director) Role Information Pack A message from Bishop Martin Thank you for your interest in this post. With the whole Church of England,
More information8. Penrhos College. Foundation Representative
8. Penrhos College Moderator, as visitor Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Principal Foundation Representative Councillors Rev Steve Francis Paul Owen Ian Parker Margarette Horne Kelvin
More informationConsidering the Code of Ethics in a multicultural context
Considering the Code of Ethics in a multicultural context Material developed by Sue Crittall and David Busch and produced with assistance from Uniting Communications 2015 Introduction The Uniting Church
More informationFrequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance)
Frequently Asked Questions ECO s Polity (Organization & Governance) What is the state of ECO today? What has changed since 2013? ECO now has almost 300 churches compared with fewer than 100 in 2013 and
More informationExecutive Summary December 2015
Executive Summary December 2015 This review was established by BU Council at its meeting in March 2015. The key brief was to establish a small team that would consult as widely as possible on all aspects
More informationRoyal Commission into Ins.tu.onal Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church in Australia. November 2014
Royal Commission into Ins.tu.onal Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church in Australia November 2014 About the Royal Commission On 11 January 2013 the Federal Government announced the Royal
More informationTHEOLOGICAL EDUCATION TASK GROUP
REPORT TO 26 TH SYNOD THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION TASK GROUP 1 BACKGROUND The first Theological Education Task Group was appointed following the 23 rd Synod in 2002. After its report to the 24 th Synod (May
More informationWitness Statement of -
SUBM.0035.001.0001 Witness Statement of - I wish to write to the Royal Commission from the perspective of a child growing up in a household of domestic violence and abuse. I want to write concerning the
More informationXAVIER CATHOLIC COLLEGE PASTORAL BOARD POLICY STATEMENTS
XAVIER CATHOLIC COLLEGE PASTORAL BOARD POLICY STATEMENTS 2013 MISSION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION POLICY STATEMENT At Xavier Catholic College we will develop a dynamic faith community with a shared vision,
More informationExecutive Summary Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle 2018 Synod of Bishops XV Ordinary General Assembly Young people, the Faith and Vocational Discernment
Executive Summary Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle 2018 Synod of Bishops XV Ordinary General Assembly Young people, the Faith and Vocational Discernment Feedback for undertaking consultation and providing
More informationCARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS
CARING FOR CHURCH LEADERS P A S T O R A L W E L L - B E I N G A CODE OF BEST PRACTICE Introduction HEBREWS 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, Churches that thrive spiritually
More informationAn Update on Resourcing Ministerial Education, and Increases in Vocations and Lay Ministries
GS Misc 1190 An Update on Resourcing Ministerial Education, and Increases in Vocations and Lay Ministries Key Points The number of ordinands entering training grew by 14% between 2016 and 2017, with a
More informationWomen Bishops in the Church of England: A Vote for Tolerance and Inclusion
Women Bishops in the Church of England: A Vote for Tolerance and Inclusion by Colin Podmore 1 Introduction On 14 July 2014 the General Synod of the Church of England gave final approval to legislation
More informationDirectory on the Ecclesiastical Exemption from Listed Building Control
1 Directory on the Ecclesiastical Exemption from Listed Building Control BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF ENGLAND AND WALES MARCH 2001 2 Directory on the Ecclesiastical Exemption from Listed Building Control Note
More informationEQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. The Catholic Community of Hamilton-Wentworth believes the learner will realize this fullness of humanity
ADMINISTRATION HWCDSB 1. MISSION & VISION Mission The mission of Catholic Education in Hamilton-Wentworth, in union with our Bishop, is to enable all learners to realize the fullness of humanity of which
More informationJOB DESCRIPTION FOR: Learning Mentor Need-oriented Outreach/Evangelism
Location: Salary: Hours: JOB DESCRIPTION FOR: Learning Mentor Need-oriented Outreach/Evangelism Diocesan Offices, Coventry, with travelling across Coventry and Warwickshire, and occasionally nationally
More informationGUIDELINES FOR THE ORDINATION, APPOINTMENT AND TRANSFER OF CLERGY
GUIDELINES FOR THE ORDINATION, APPOINTMENT AND TRANSFER OF CLERGY Approved by the Holy Synod of Bishops at the Fall, 2013 Meeting GUIDELINES FOR THE ORDINATION, APPOINTMENT AND TRANSFER OF CLERGY Approved
More informationOccasional Paper 7. Survey of Church Attenders Aged Years: 2001 National Church Life Survey
Occasional Paper 7 Survey of Church Attenders Aged 10-14 Years: 2001 National Church Life Survey J. Bellamy, S. Mou and K. Castle June 2005 Survey of Church Attenders Aged 10-14 Years: 2001 National Church
More information