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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
March 6, 2003

Sexual abuse alleged
by Yvonne Martin

Whistleblowing author Louise Deans and two other women who say they were sexually harassed and abused by an Anglican priest have received payouts from the Church.

The compensation, ranging from $8000 to $30,000 each, follows complaints about sexual misconduct by a once high-profile Christchurch priest, Rob McCullough, in the 1970s and 1980s.

The three women were candidates for ordination in the Christchurch diocese, under the former Rev Canon McCullough's guidance.

Church leaders were first alerted to alleged misconduct by a group of five women in 1989.

Ms Deans also detailed allegations of misconduct by Mr McCullough in her controversial book, Whistleblower in 2001, although he was not named in the book.

Ms Deans, an ordained minister, is relieved the protracted and stressful process is finally over. "I can put it all behind me now," she said.

The Church has also formally apologised to two other women complainants who did not seek money.

It is still negotiating with another three Auckland women who have made claims over Mr McCullough's actions when he was living there.

Two women were seeking between $160,000 and $180,000 each for counselling and other costs arising from alleged abuse by Mr McCullough.

But the trio which has settled so far received far less than that. The settlements included reimbursement of counselling costs. They did not contain confidentiality clauses, which the Catholic Church has been criticised over in its earlier settlements.

Christchurch Bishop David Coles said it was a distressing time for the women and for the church, realising that such behaviour had occurred.

"I extend my heartfelt and sincere apologies to all the women who have suffered abuse at the hands of this priest, but I realise that no apology can ever be adequate to address the pain, the humiliation, and the emotional scars that result from such abuse."

Mr McCullough was principal of College House, an Anglican Church boarding hostel at Canterbury University, in the 1970s and 1980s.

He was also responsible for theological training and prepared candidates for ordination.

He was stripped of his positions after the complainants came forward. The police investigated and decided not to press charges.