New Zealand Catholic Church Apologizes for Abuse | Abroad

“Today, given the importance of this moment, I express my regret to you, also on behalf of the bishops and other religious leaders,” he said. “Today I also apologize on behalf of those who have come before us as bishops and leaders of the Catholic Church. We don’t justify them or our actions, which caused damage, ”Dew said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appointed the Royal Commission in 2018, saying the country faces “a dark chapter in its history.” Although initially focused on health facilities, the churches themselves and other religious institutions were later added to the survey.

An interim report released last December showed that between the 1960s and the start of the 21st century, up to a quarter of a million vulnerable children, youth and adults were physically and sexually assaulted in institutions. Children as young as nine months old have reportedly been abused by employees, clergy and foster parents. Among other things, the victims were raped and received electric shock treatment.

“We recognize that the system and culture within the Church made this abuse possible. This system and this culture has failed you and must change, ”Dew said.

The royal commission will advise the government on this later this year.