Statement from Archbishop Mark Coleridge RE: the verdict in the Cardinal Pell case:
The news of Cardinal George Pell’s conviction on historical child sexual abuse charges has shocked many across Australia and around the world, including the Catholic Bishops of Australia. The Bishops agree that everyone should be equal under the law, and we respect the Australian legal system. The same legal system that delivered the verdict will consider the appeal that the Cardinal’s legal team has lodged. Our hope, at all times, is that through this process, justice will be served.
In the meantime, we pray for all those who have been abused and their loved ones, and we commit ourselves anew to doing everything possible to ensure that the Church is a safe place for all, especially the young and the vulnerable.
A message to the entire community of the Archdiocese of Brisbane
These last few weeks have been bruising for the Catholic Church in Australia. It seems that everywhere we turn we see stories about the Church and its failures with child sexual abuse.
We have to accept that. The Church will never walk away from its responsibilities in this area. We have much to atone for. We have much to do and much to continue learning.
But today I want to say a word about the Church that’s almost never mentioned in mainstream media. It’s the Church that you’re part of every day and, often enough, through the night as well. Because of what you do, the Church changes lives for the better, and it does so through the power of the Gospel. Yes, we face serious challenges now, but there is a whole dimension of the Church that should never be forgotten.
It’s the Church that works every day with refugees who have come to Australia seeking a better life. You help them to find accommodation, to fight for a permanent stay and to reunite with loved ones.
It’s the Church that works on the frontline with domestic violence victims. You help them and their children in the toughest moments that they will face. You walk with them at every step, especially when they feel helpless.
It’s the Church that works with Australians with a disability. You help create a society that welcomes, includes and respects people with a disability as people first – and you support them to follow their dreams.
These last few weeks have been bruising for the Catholic Church in Australia. It seems that everywhere we turn we see stories about the Church and its failures with child sexual abuse.
We have to accept that. The Church will never walk away from its responsibilities in this area. We have much to atone for. We have much to do and much to continue learning.
But today I want to say a word about the Church that’s almost never mentioned in mainstream media. It’s the Church that you’re part of every day and, often enough, through the night as well. Because of what you do, the Church changes lives for the better, and it does so through the power of the Gospel. Yes, we face serious challenges now, but there is a whole dimension of the Church that should never be forgotten.
It’s the Church that works every day with refugees who have come to Australia seeking a better life. You help them to find accommodation, to fight for a permanent stay and to reunite with loved ones.
It’s the Church that works on the frontline with domestic violence victims. You help them and their children in the toughest moments that they will face. You walk with them at every step, especially when they feel helpless.
It’s the Church that works with Australians with a disability. You help create a society that welcomes, includes and respects people with a disability as people first – and you support them to follow their dreams.
It’s
the Church that works with people on the poverty line. You provide them
with accommodation, meals and support when they have nowhere else to turn.
It’s the Church that works with the homeless. You bring a friendly smile, food and warmth to them. Most of all, you help by spending time with them.
It’s the Church that works with people living with dementia. You brighten their lives, you relate to the real person and you provide support for their families.
It’s the Church that provides pastoral support to prisoners. You sit with them, listen to their stories and provide counselling.
It’s the Church that works to protect our environment. You help raise awareness of our common home, the earth on which we live and the need to preserve it for those who come after us.
Of course, it’s the Church that has educated millions of Australian children over generations. Your work in that area continues to have a major impact on our young people and the future of our country.
And it’s the Church that has provided first-class medical treatment in our hospitals for generations. You have literally saved lives and continue to save lives. You have also accompanied the dying with tender care.
Thank you for all this and more – because that’s not an exhaustive list of what you do from day to day in the Catholic Church.
It’s the Church that works with the homeless. You bring a friendly smile, food and warmth to them. Most of all, you help by spending time with them.
It’s the Church that works with people living with dementia. You brighten their lives, you relate to the real person and you provide support for their families.
It’s the Church that provides pastoral support to prisoners. You sit with them, listen to their stories and provide counselling.
It’s the Church that works to protect our environment. You help raise awareness of our common home, the earth on which we live and the need to preserve it for those who come after us.
Of course, it’s the Church that has educated millions of Australian children over generations. Your work in that area continues to have a major impact on our young people and the future of our country.
And it’s the Church that has provided first-class medical treatment in our hospitals for generations. You have literally saved lives and continue to save lives. You have also accompanied the dying with tender care.
Thank you for all this and more – because that’s not an exhaustive list of what you do from day to day in the Catholic Church.
At this time, I wanted you to know that your work is priceless and that it does
not go unrecognised.
Thank you for your work in parishes, schools, hospitals and on the frontline wherever it may be.
It’s work that should make you both proud and humble - proud for what has been achieved and humble before the God whose gifts make it all possible and who is as close to us now as ever before.
+ Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane.
Thank you for your work in parishes, schools, hospitals and on the frontline wherever it may be.
It’s work that should make you both proud and humble - proud for what has been achieved and humble before the God whose gifts make it all possible and who is as close to us now as ever before.
+ Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane.
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Reflection by Fr Paul
Surfers Paradise: -
In this time of distress and turmoil, the vital thing is for us all to keep our eyes and our hearts firmly fixed on the example and message of Jesus. Christ and gospel show us clearly God's priorities and values. This reveals Jesus' profound concern for the poor, the vulnerable, and the abused. Our Lord demands justice, peace, and healing for those wronged. These are extremely uncertain and upsetting times, and we need more than ever to stay focused on Christ’s priorities of practical action, respect, and unrelenting protection of human dignity, (particularly the young as well as vulnerable adults). Also, respectful listening and understanding, and leadership that serves the needs of people in need. We continue to pray and work for Christ's vision to be fully present for all people.
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