While the church and community in Newcastle await the Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Case Study 42), there is a lot of ground work to do preparing a team of facilitators and consultants to work with parishes and organisations impacted by the expected findings of the commission. The Diocese under the interim leadership of Bishop Peter Stuart has welcomed the Commission and while it is a painful process, has sought to respond carefully and pastorally to victims, parishes and clergy impacted by the past. There are many good people, caring parishes and faithful clergy who are deeply hurt by what has occurred historically in Newcastle. Alongside the direct victims of abuse, these also need support and care. We had a day of training for facilitators and consultants yesterday in preparation for the RC findings.
Continue reading “Parish Recovery Training in the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle”
I enjoyed being in Sydney this week from Wednesday to Friday for Safe as Churches VI. It was a privilege to hear Rev Dr Marie Fortune share her reflections on Abuse, Boundaries and Institutional Responses and to hear about progress with the Royal Commission.
It is always a bit sad to say goodbye to a team of consultants I have been training, sometimes for several years. It was like this today in Sydney seeing nine new team members complete their training and farewelling others I have worked with for 6 years. Thanks for the cake and parting gift. It is good to reflect on the capacity that is now in place largely due to the commitment and advocacy of the original Tamar group and many survivors of Clergy misconduct who have worked for education, awareness and new levels of care for everyone impacted these events.