Program urges every Catholic to commit to safety for all

All Catholics in Australia will be asked to commit themselves to a major new program aimed at the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to work pro-actively to prevent abuse.

The program, entitled “Our Church, a Safe Community, a Shared Commitment”, is aimed at the entire Church community – lay people, clergy and members of religious orders.

Protection and Prevention Officer for the National Committee for Professional Standards, Sr Angela Ryan said the program was about raising awareness within the Church community of the need for everyone to play their part in creating a safe environment.

“Parishes will be asked to focus on the program on Sunday, September 9 which marks the conclusion of Child Protection Week,” Sr Ryan said.

“There is provision for special prayers and homilies and each parishioner will be given a card to take home, which offers suggestions as to how every person can be practically involved.”

The card urges people to be aware of the possibilities of abuse, but not overly suspicious; trust instincts; and be open to acquiring a deeper understanding of the harm caused by abuse.

It also asks Catholics to willingly undertake any police checks required by State and Church agencies; to abide by Codes of Conduct and follow conscientiously Risk Assessment procedures; and to make a personal commitment to ensuring that the Church is a safe community for all.

In a letter to priests and parish councils, Bishop William Morris and Br Peter Burke, Co-Chairs of the National Committee for Professional Standards, said the program was part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to prevent abuse.

“Over recent years, the Catholic Church in Australia has taken steps to address the issue of sexual abuse by Church personnel,” they say.

“To date, much of the focus has been on providing, through Towards Healing, an appropriate and compassionate response to those who have suffered abuse within our Church.

“While continuing to respond to allegations being brought forward under Towards Healing, the Church has also taken steps towards prevention of abuse, especially with clergy, religious and those engaged in ministry within the Church.

“The next step is to introduce a program to engage the broader Catholic community by raising awareness and understanding of the impact of abuse, not just on the individual and the family concerned, but on the whole community.”

To access the "Our Church, A Safe Community, A Shared Commitment" card being sent to parishes, click on this link: http://www.acbc.catholic.org.au/documents/20070822560.pdf.

To access the "Our Church, A Safe Community, A Shared Commitment" source document, click on this link: http://www.acbc.catholic.org.au/documents/200708221637.pdf.