ROYAL COMMISSION TO EXAMINE CATHOLIC CHURCH’S RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE

The Royal Commission has announced it’ll hold a public inquiry in Newcastle later this month, into the response of Catholic Church authorities to allegations of child sexual abuse.

The hearings will focus on the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese’s response to allegations made against Father Vincent Gerard Ryan.

It will also examine the response of the Marist Brothers into claims of child sexual abuse relating to Marist Borthers Francis Cable (Brother Romuald) and Thomas Butler (Brother Patrick).

Bishop Bill Wright from the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese says he supports the Royal Commission.

“As Bishop, I will ensure this Diocese cooperates fully with the Royal Commission before, during and after any public or private hearings,” he said.

The inquiry is set to commence on August 29 and will last two weeks.

To read Bishop Bill’s full statement, click HERE.