The Bishop of the Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese has issued an apology to victims of abuse committed at the hands of clergy.
Bishop William Wright made the “unreserved apology on behalf of the Diocese” at the Special Commission of Inquiry in Newcastle today.
The statement was the first phase of the Bishop’s evidence, with the remainder set to be given to the Commission in confidence later this month, as it’s expected to contain sensitive details relating to victims and other matters still before the legal system.
The second part of the Special Commission, which commenced this morning, is looking at whether church officials assisted or hindered police investigations into child sexual abuse allegations.
During her opening address, Counsel Assisting Julia Lonergan SC told the Commission that evidence will show church officials knew about acts of child abuse dating back as far as the 1950s, and that offending Priest Fr Denis McAlinden, was deliberately moved between parishes to help preserve the Church’s image.
Detective Inspector Mark Watters has begun giving evidence of his investigations into the now deceased priest.
READ THE APOLOGY FROM BISHOP WILLIAM WRIGHT HERE
