ACBC President Archbishop Denis Hart and Catholic
Religious Australia Chair Sr Annette Cunliffe RSC have announced the
members of the Truth Justice and Healing Council (TJHC).The TJHC will oversee the Catholic Church's engagement with the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse, an ACBC Media Release says.
Francis Sullivan, CEO of the Council, welcomed the announcement saying the 13 member Council is made up of men and women with professional and other expertise, especially across child sexual abuse, paedophilia, trauma, mental illness, suicide and public policy.
"The Church and members of the TJHC are determined that the truth be told and that the Church assists victims and those damaged by abuse as children receive justice and to embark on a sustainable process of healing. " Francis Sullivan said.
"Councillors have been chosen for their obvious expertise and their willingness to give frank and independent advice."
"This Council will guide the Church as it goes through the Royal Commission, and will approach the task with openness and compassion."
"We accept that the Royal Commission may well reveal embarrassing and shameful episodes from our past, but it is necessary in order for the truth to heal and for the community to see that our engagement is genuine and sincere."
"Our task also involves advising the Church on the best practice changes to protect children and prevent sexual abuse."
"This is a crucial task as the Church demonstrates through its actions that the welfare and safety of children are the highest priority."
The Truth Justice and Healing Council will hold its first meeting in Sydney in mid April.
Members of the Truth Justice and Healing Council are:
Justice Barry O'Keefe AM QC, who will chair the Council
Dr Sue Gordon AM, retired magistrate from Western Australia
Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane
Professor Maria Harries, Senior Research Fellow in the Social Work and Social Policy School at the University of Western Australia
Mr Jack Heath, Chief Executive Officer of Sane Australia
Associate Professor Rosemary Sheehan, currently working in Department of Social Work at Monash University
Hon Greg Crafter AO, former Minister of Education, South Australia
Sr Maree Marsh csb, the former Congregational Leader of the Brigidine Sisters and is currently the Chair of ACRATH
Bishop Bill Wright of Maitland-Newcastle
Professor Greg Craven, lawyer and academic, Vice-Chancellor of Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Ms Elizabeth Proust AO, currently Chairman of the Bank of Melbourne
Mr Stephen Elder, Executive Director of the Catholic Education Office Melbourne
Dr Marian Sullivan, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Queensland