It was deeply saddening to see the recent publication of the Scoping Report that has brought to light distressing allegations of sexual abuse against children within institutions run by religious orders.
The revelations contained in this report are harrowing and serve as a stark reminder of the failures that have occurred within our institutions. It is imperative that we confront this dark chapter with transparency and accountability.
The suffering endured by these children is unimaginable, and we are committing and must continue to commit ourselves to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.
Abuse against children is an especially heinous crime. It not only violates the sanctity of childhood but also robs these innocent ones of their fundamental right to safety and security.
Children are inherently vulnerable, and when they are subjected to such atrocities, it inflicts profound psychological and emotional scars that can persist throughout their lives.
The innocence of a child is a precious gift, one that should be nurtured and protected at all costs.
When this innocence is shattered through abuse, it leads to long-term consequences, including trust issues, mental health challenges, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships, as outlined by some of the survivors in the report.
While the inquiry focused specifically on schools run by religious orders, we must also remember that similar experiences have existed throughout wider society during this period and this has been recognised by the fact that the Scoping Inquiry Report has recommended that the Commission of Investigation be broadened to include all schools.
I wish to acknowledge that this is also a very difficult time for the vast majority of the members of the religious institutions who have dedicated their lives to serving God and aiding those in need. Many have lived lives marked by compassion, charity, and selflessness.
It is essential to understand that while some individuals have betrayed their vows and caused harm, countless others continue their mission with integrity and commitment.
This is undoubtedly a challenging time for them as well; they too are affected by the shadows cast over our Church’s reputation due to the actions of a few. Their work often goes unnoticed, yet they remain steadfast in their service to both local communities and those in developing countries.
During my recent visit to religious-run projects in slum areas of Nairobi, Kenya, I witnessed firsthand the dedication these institutions maintain towards safeguarding vulnerable children and caring for them in such beautiful ways.
Each school has appointed safeguarding officers whose responsibility it is to ensure the safety and well-being of students. If it wasn’t for the presence of these religious orders in many parts of the developing world today, there would be nobody to feed and educate these little ones.
It is vital for us as a church and a nation not only to reflect on past failings but also to actively support those who are working tirelessly today for justice and protection. We must strive for an environment where every child feels safe - both within our institutions and beyond. We must also strive to create an environment where victims feel safe to report abuse.
In every parish in this Diocese there are dedicated child-safeguarding persons who along with the priests are trained to ensure a happy and safe environment for all children. I very much wish to commend their work.
The Catholic Church has a moral obligation to stand firmly against any form of abuse. We must ensure that our institutions are safe havens for children, where they can learn and grow without fear. It is imperative that we take these allegations seriously and work collaboratively with authorities to investigate them thoroughly.
We must also provide support for victims, ensuring they receive the care and counselling necessary to deal with past traumatic experience and hopefully find some healing.
As we process this painful report, let us remember our duty: To protect our children at all costs.
Together, we can work towards healing and rebuilding trust within our society. As a nation we need to engage more together to heal the sins of the past.