AS the Anglican Church gets ready for its next round of royal commission public hearings, the Bishop of the Diocese of Newcastle has sent out a letter warning of the potential for news that “this diocese could have done better”. Diocese of Newcastle administrator Bishop Peter Stuart’s pastoral letter will be read out in parishes diocese-wide. It comes before the commission is scheduled to hear evidence on how Hunter priest, Allan Kitchingman, was convicted of a “child sex matter” in Newcastle in 1968 before being transferred to Grafton where he sexually assaulted a child at the North Coast Children’s Home in 1975. “As the commission does its work there may be some disquiet and distress where there is news that any part of the Anglican Church, but especially this diocese, could have done better,” Bishop Stuart’s letter reads. “I know that as an Anglican community we want to ensure that people are able to participate in church life with safety.” Bishop Stuart wrote that he welcomed the scrutiny brought by the royal commission and that he encouraged those affected by abuse to join the process. “As a diocese we remain committed to improving our policies and procedures recognising that there is always scope for improvement,” the letter said. “We can be thankful for the important work being undertaken by our director of professional standards. “I pledge to the community our ongoing commitment for continued improvement.” Contact the royal commission: free call 1800099340
AS the Anglican Church gets ready for its next round of royal commission public hearings, the Bishop of the Diocese of Newcastle has sent out a letter warning of the potential for news that “this diocese could have done better”.
Diocese of Newcastle administrator Bishop Peter Stuart’s pastoral letter will be read out in parishes diocese-wide.
It comes before the commission is scheduled to hear evidence on how Hunter priest, Allan Kitchingman, was convicted of a “child sex matter” in Newcastle in 1968 before being transferred to Grafton where he sexually assaulted a child at the North Coast Children’s Home in 1975.
“As the commission does its work there may be some disquiet and distress where there is news that any part of the Anglican Church, but especially this diocese, could have done better,” Bishop Stuart’s letter reads.
“I know that as an Anglican community we want to ensure that people are able to participate in church life with safety.”
Bishop Stuart wrote that he welcomed the scrutiny brought by the royal commission and that he encouraged those affected by abuse to join the process.
“As a diocese we remain committed to improving our policies and procedures recognising that there is always scope for improvement,” the letter said.
“We can be thankful for the important work being undertaken by our director of professional standards.
“I pledge to the community our ongoing commitment for continued improvement.”
Contact the royal commission: free call 1800099340
