Church responds to Crowley guilty plea
29 July 2003
The Bishop of Tasmania, The Right Reverend John Harrower, has responded further to yesterday's guilty plea by Dr Michael Crowley, who in 1997-1998 co-authored a report into sexual abuse within the Anglican Church in Tasmania.
Bishop Harrower expressed sorrow for any further hurt caused to victims of abuse. He has called for any persons who participated in that Inquiry, and who may have felt that their interview was not conducted appropriately, to contact the Church's independent help-line on 1800 017 286.
The Bishop said, 'We believe that the Inquiry was conducted in a thorough and independent way by the Chair, Tonia Kohl, and that the very strong findings and recommendations which were made have changed the Church considerably. However, we urge any people who believe that Dr Crowley's conduct during the Inquiry was inappropriate to call our independent Help Line, so that their claims can be re-examined.'
The Bishop also reiterated, 'At the time the Church appointed Dr Crowley he was a person in good professional standing in the community. However, we would not have appointed Dr Crowley, knowing what we know now.'
Bishop Harrower repeated the call he has made on a number of occasions for a Royal Commission into issues of abuse within the church and wider society.
Bishop Harrower will be available for interview today from 4:15-5pm.
Contact:
Media Officer - Rev. Stephen Carnaby 0417 343 710
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