Sydney Catholic Bishop Richard Umbers stands back from public duties amid abuse investigation
One of Sydney’s most senior Catholic bishops has stood aside from his public duties, as the church investigates a claim of historical abuse which the bishop ‘emphatically denies’.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Sydney’s most senior Catholic bishops has stood aside from his public duties as the church investigates a claim of historical abuse.
In a statement attached to Archdiocese of Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers’ online biography, Vicar-General Samuel Lynch confirmed the archdiocese “has received notice of a civil claim of historical abuse” and Umbers had been “identified as the subject of this claim”.
“Bishop Umbers emphatically denies the allegation,” the statement read.
“In accordance with its obligations, the Archdiocese has notified the relevant authorities of the complaint.
“In conformity with the Archdiocesan protocol for managing safeguarding complaints and relevant legislation, Bishop Umbers has agreed to stand aside from public ministry while this allegation is investigated.”
Bishop Umbers, 54, is second only to Archbishop Anthony Fisher in the hierarchy of the Sydney Catholic archdiocese.
NSW Police told The Saturday Telegraph police were “not aware” of the allegations and “there is no current investigation”.
New Zealand-born Umbers was Australia’s youngest bishop when he was appointed as one of Sydney’s auxiliary bishops in 2016 by the late Pope Francis, having previously held chaplaincy roles at Opus Dei private school Redfield College and UNSW’s Warrane College.
His Sydney Catholic biography states that he “regularly addresses gatherings of youth” and “has an interest in social media”.
“Memes, done right, can be a highly effective way of sharing ideas in our social media world,” Bishop Umbers is quoted as saying.
On a recent podcast, the bishop described the first years of his appointment as being like “the first 10 minutes” of Sandra Bullock’s Oscar-winning 2013 sci-fi film Gravity “where she’s just spinning and spinning and spinning”.
“The spinning does come to a stop.”
The Daily Telegraph recently revealed that more than 1000 historical child abuse complaints have been lodged against NSW churches, schools and other institutions by just one law firm on behalf of their clients.
Shine Lawyers are currently working on nearly 200 cases involving government and non-government schools, including private and Catholic colleges.
1000 jobs slashed at Transport for NSW
Nearly 1000 staff will be cut from Transport for NSW, in a move that sent shockwaves through the department on Wednesday morning. While the RTBU warned the cuts would impact frontline services.
‘Forever 15’: Teen who died in jet ski crash pictured
Local teens have gathered near the spot where where a 15-year-old boy died in a jet ski crash and his 14-year-old friend had his arm severed to pay their respects for the pair.