Malcolm Potts September 25th 2016 ~ The Royal Commission

Institutional Child Abuse Royal CommissionOn Wednesday last week the clergy of the diocese were invited to a gathering to discuss the Royal Commission into Institutional Sexual Abuse of Children.  Our Archbishop, Roger, had been Archbishop of the Newcastle Diocese at a time when children were abused by some clergy.  The Commission seeks to scrutinise the behaviour of institutions and to listen to those who have come forward to tell of their experiences of abuse while in the care of or having contact with the various institutions under scrutiny.The object of our gathering was to have the Archbishop's barrister explain what is and is not the purpose of such a Commission; to hear from the Archbishop, his response to the Commission experience and, after he had left the gathering, to share and discuss our reactions and responses as clergy to the whole situation.It was not a comfortable meeting.  There is great respect and affection for the Archbishop from many clergy.  At the same time there was a very real sense that the Archbishops' testimony at the Commission, where he admitted faults in the way he dealt with offenders, may be seen as compromising his position as leader of this diocese.  What he does, if anything, about this is solely up to him.  He is currently on extended long service leave.The Archbishop has been profoundly impacted by the testimony of victims.  He undoubtedly has regrets and his determination is to attend fully to the work of the Commission and to attentively, respectfully and compassionately listen to those who have been deeply damaged by the church.  This seems to be his primary task at this time which is completely understandable.  He is required to give testimony again in November.  It is unlikely the Commission will report formally before late 2017.The need of his clergy [since that is who we are] for direction and leadership, even as to how he would like us to support him and respond to this situation, remains uncertain.  The Perth diocese has its synod next month which could see increased media attention and even strong views aired publicly from the floor during the synod.It all feels potentially combustible.What does it mean for +Roger to lead us in absentia?What does supporting +Roger look like?How do these circumstances impact the diocese and its leadership?I love, affirm and support Roger.  I am surprised at how concerned I feel for the church in Perth, the clergy and the many people of faith our churches share.  But above all I am sad that there are some Christian ministers who have done such violence to innocents and the wage that this pays is indescribably far-reaching.Should you have had an experience of violence or abuse, I hope one of our staff might be safe enough for you to share with if the time is right.Should you wish to question me further on anything pertaining to what I have written here, please do not hesitate.Please be people of prayer for victims and all who are called to consider and make decisions at this time, especially our Archbishop.~ Malcolm