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Sunday Star Times
March 10, 2002
Eight complaints of clergy abuse
By Amanda Cropp
The
Christchurch diocese of the Anglican Church has received eight complaints of
sexual misconduct by clergy over the past decade but has refused to confirm
whether it has paid financial compensation to any complainants.
Bishop David Coles said all eight complaints had been resolved but would not
reveal any further details. 'I am unable to comment on specific claims because
of the agreement to confidentiality (sic) with any claimant regarding
settlement of complaints.'
Coles said the diocese took out professional indemnity insurance in 1995 but
this does not cover claims for events that occurred prior to that date.
Last week the Sunday Star- Times reported that two women are seeking $160,000
to $180,000 in compensation from the diocese after complaining 12 years ago
about being sexually harassed and abused by former Anglican priest Rob
McCullough. They allege the incidents occurred when he worked in
The women said the financial claim also reflected the trauma they had suffered
as a result of delays by the church in settling the matter. The diocese has
denied any legal liability and late last year asked the women to undergo an
assessment interview with a psychiatrist before deciding on any compensation.
The two women seeking compensation say one of the key issues for them has been
the church's failure to resolve the case speedily and to formally apologise to
them personally.
At one stage there was a proposal to erect a plaque in the cathedral stating
that bishops, male clergy and laity of the diocese condemned 'the violence and
other abuse against women in our church, our community and our own lives".
It went on to say 'Together as men we repent for our actions and our silence.
We seek a future where women and men can laugh and cry and trust and dream
together.'
Coles said the idea of the plaque was among a number of proposals that arose
from a series of mediated meetings. While these proposals had his full support
'they did not proceed because they failed to win a mandate within the
diocese".
The possibility of damages claims has also led other dioceses to take out
public liability insurance.
Vicar-general of the
Since new guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment were introduced in 1994
the diocese has received five complaints and three were resolved through
mediation.
The diocese had not received any financial claims for compensation but it would
meet victims' counselling costs, says Randerson.
Like
'In every case where a complaint is made the bishop has to report it to the
insurance company. In one case I have been personally involved with (dealing
with) that has happened.'