Bishop explains in ‘pastoral message’

Sydney
1 June 2003

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Bishop explains in ‘pastoral message’

The Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Bishop Michael Malone, has explained why he did not immediately remove a priest from his parish last year after it was alleged the priest was guilty of sexual assault involving a minor.

In a “pastoral message to the Maitland-Newcastle diocesan community”, the bishop says he had been accused in the media of being negligent in not removing Fr James Fletcher from his parish “when the allegation was first known” in June 2002.

“It is true that I knew of the accusation then,” Bishop Malone said, “but at that stage it was made clear tome that it was an unsubstantiated accusation, yet to be investigated by the police.

“I sought advice from the NSW Professional Standards Office (Towards Healing process) and others.

“I also consulted the director of Catholic schools and the local school principal at the time and informed them of the situation.

“Based on the advice I received and an assessment of the potential risk as per NSW child protection legislation, I decided to leave Fr Fletcher in place, aware also of his poor health and near fatal stroke a few years ago.”

Bishop Malone says he was accused in the media of being negligent in not reporting the case to the Ombudsman within 30 days of the allegation.

“Since this was a police investigation from the beginning,” he said, “I assumed that procedures such as reporting the matter to the Ombudsman’s Office would have been included in that investigation.”

He said Fr Fletcher was charged by police on May 14, 2003, following an accusation made to police in June 2002.

In accordance with normal procedures he was withdrawn from active ministry.

“The charges against him will now be dealt with by the criminal justice system,” Bishop Malone said.

“Fr Fletcher has denied the allegations. He maintains his innocence; we must acknowledge his right to contest the charges and keep an open mind on the matter.”

The bishop said he was concerned for the complainant “and that person’s personal struggle in coming forward” and for the complainant’s family and friends.

He was concerned also for Fr Fletcher and his family, for the people of the parishes where he has ministered, “conscious of their shock and their unanswered questions”, for all the priests of the diocese, “aware of the effects this recent allegation will have on them”, and “for all of you who are part of the diocesan community and who suffer from this unwanted trauma”.

Bishop Malone says the incident “highlights our vulnerability as Church and our justifiable expectation that our Church leaders act with integrity and transparency”.

He added: “The Catholic Church in Australia does have procedures in place to respond to allegations of sexual abuse against Church personnel.”

People needing information or assistance may telephone the Church’s Towards Healing process on 1300 369 977, he said. Alternatively, they may wish to report these matters to the police.

Parishes and schools in the diocese may wish to discuss their response to this situation, the bishop said.

“Please let me know if you would like the services of a professional facilitator for this purpose,” he added.

“My heart is heavy as I write these words. Let us be conscious of one another as we respond to these difficult issues. “We need to draw strength from our faith in a loving, compassionate and forgiving God.”