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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Dominion Post
October 19, 2002

Therapy for priest after sex allegations
NZPA

High-profile Catholic priest and justice campaigner Jim Consedine has stood down as Lyttelton parish priest amid allegations of sexual misconduct against women.

The former prison chaplain, champion of the underdog and advocate of restorative justice has left his parish of 17 years to undergo therapy.

He will attend a programme in Sydney which specialises in treating clergy for violation of professional boundaries, sexual disorders and abuse.

Bishop of Christchurch John Cunneen is sending Father Consedine for treatment after receiving complaints from four women of inappropriate sexual behaviour dating as far back as the early 1970s.

Last week during a mediation, Fr Consedine apologised to one complainant, a suburban Shirley mother who claims he touched her inappropriately, including fondling her bottom, last November.

Bishop Cunneen told St Joseph's parishioners in a statement last weekend that he had discussed "certain historical allegations" with Father Consedine, who accepted he needed counselling.

Attempts to contact Father Consedine failed, but his brother, Robert Consedine, indicated he would not be commenting.

In a statement, the Consedine family said it supported the open process the Church had set up for dealing with allegations.

Three women complained to the bishop in August about alleged misconduct when Father Consedine was involved with the Young Christian Workers movement in the 1970s.

One complainant was a 19-year-old youth leader in 1973 when, she alleged, he kissed her after hearing her confession during a weekend stay at a monastery.

"It was in a face-to-face confession situation," she said. "When I had finished talking . . . he kissed me on the lips, putting his tongue inside my mouth. I felt very uncomfortable but did not say anything and neither did he."

The woman, now 48, said the alleged misconduct continued after she moved into a home with other youth leaders. While walking through Hagley Park after a meeting one day, Fr Consedine pushed her against a tree and rubbed provocatively against her body, she alleged.

"I was shocked and stunned. I was very much in awe of him and did not think I could challenge him. Jim was, and still is, a man of much personal power and prestige in the community."

The programme Father Consedine will attend, Encompass Australasia, was set up by the Australian church in 1997.