Tasmanian Catholic newspaper withdrawn after columnist described George Pell’s accusers of being wicked

A COLUMN defending disgraced cardinal George Pell against the “wickedness of his accusers” has prompted the Catholic Church in Tasmania to withdraw the March edition of its monthly newspaper.

A COLUMN defending disgraced cardinal George Pell has prompted the Catholic Church in Tasmania to withdraw the March edition of its monthly newspaper.

The March 10 edition of the Catholic Standard, published by the Archdiocese of Hobart, was available from at least one Hobart church today.

In the column, the director of Hobart’s s Christopher Dawson Centre for Cultural Studies, David Daintree, described George Pell’s accusers as wicked, and Pell as an innocent man found guilty.

Dr Daintree this afternoon apologised.

“I apologise unreservedly for any offence I may have caused. It was never my intention to cast doubt on survivors,” he said

“I’d also like to make it very clear that the views were mine alone and in no way represented those of the Archdiocese of Hobart.”

In the column Dr Daintree wrote:

“I know Cardinal Pell well. I like him and respect him. I simply cannot believe that he is guilty … Pell is a tough man and he will, by the grace of God, survive the wickedness of his accusers and the silence of many who should defend him but won’t.

Cardinal George Pell arrives at the County Court in Melbourne. Picture: AP

“Those who believe in prayer should pray for him, and for his alleged victim too, and for those who voted to condemn him.”

A Victorian County Court jury found Pell, 77, guilty of the sexual abuse of two 13-year-old choirboys at St Patrick’s Cathedral while he was Archbishop of Melbourne.

A section of the artcile in the Catholic Standard that claims Pell is innocent, written by Dr David Daintree.

Pell, who is behind bars awaiting sentence, has applied for leave to appeal against the conviction in the Court of Appeal.

MORE

POPE AVOIDS GEORGE PELL HEADACHE

INSIDE THE CELL FOR GEORGE PELL

In a statement issued this afternoon, the Archdiocese of Hobart said:

“This morning, concerns were raised about an opinion article in this month’s edition of the Catholic Standard, which was to be distributed this weekend.

“As a result, the decision was taken to immediately withdraw it from distribution.

“The Archdiocese of Hobart strongly condemns all forms of child sexual abuse and is committed to working with victims and their families to address the great suffering they have experienced.”

An amended version of the Catholic Standard will be published in the coming week.

The Christopher Dawson Centre for Cultural Studies is based at New Town and was established by Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous.

MORE NEWS:

HISTORIC BUILDING COMPLEX TO HIT MARKET

THIS ISLAND’S IN THE DREAM

HICKEY CHASES EXTRA CASH FOR TASTE

WILD WEATHER STRIKES TASSIE IN YEAR OF EXTREMES