The Advertiser Editorial: The unholy disgrace of abuse apathy

IT has, without a doubt, been the saddest chapter in the history of the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide.

Ian George was more concerned with legal liability and insurance issues than providing pastoral support for abuse victims.

IT has, without a doubt, been the saddest chapter in the history of the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide.

While the abuse of 40 boys by a church figure was horrific, the manner in which church leaders handled the crisis was just as disgraceful.

The true depth of the apathy, and in some cases deliberate subterfusion, that was employed by senior Anglicans to suppress the truth was breathtaking.

As the Royal Commission report that details the handling of allegations against paedophile Robert Brandenburg bluntly states, the then head of the Adelaide diocese Dr Ian George, was more concerned with legal liability and insurance issues than providing pastoral support for abuse victims.

In short, he cared more about what it was going to cost the diocese in compensation than reaching out to those whose young lives had been destroyed.

The report has squarely laid the blame for the diocese’s tardy response at Dr George’s feet. One of his then senior operatives, archdeacon Brian Smith, has also been singled out for stinging criticism over his conduct.

Both men not only failed the abuse victims, but they failed all parishioners who trusted them to lead the Adelaide diocese.

While there have been no winners in this process, the fact sunlight has been shone on this scandal has been positive. It has been a catalyst for major change, both culturally and procedurally not just within the Adelaide diocese, but nationwide.

It is unfortunate that Dr Georges’ replacement, Jeffrey Driver, had to spend the majority of his tenure as archbishop sorting out the mess left by his predecessor.

The diocese owes Mr Driver a huge debt for the compassion in which he handled the compensation cases and changed not just processes under which they are now managed, but the internal culture of the diocese. While it is impossible to state that such abuse will never happen again, the likelihood of it being covered-up and whistleblowers being simply dismissed is now remote.

 

Thelma and Thomas Knight today celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. Picture: SAM WUNDKE

Symbols of love

 

A PAGAN feast day that became a Christian saint’s day has spawned a massive industry that expresses itself though cards, poems, chocolates, intimate dinners and the ubiquitous red rose.

Valentine’s Day is hard to miss and for most couples, impossible to resist.

Inside the commercial wrapping there’s a sound idea. Sometimes is feels the demands of modern life have made us so busy we need a public rallying point to make us pause, look a loved one in the eye and say “thank you”.

On Valentine’s Day, a card and a rose can help say that for you. Not everyone is a true romantic but we all need love in our lives.

Overt displays are not needed to prove love. Simple gestures are the glue that keeps a successful couple happy. Take some cues from Thelma and Tom Knight, who today celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.

Patience, support, compromise, and spending quality time together are their secrets to a happy marriage.

Today, your show of affection may be a flower from the garden or something more grand. But it truly is the thought that counts on Valentine’s Day.