It’s the Devil! Pope Claims Church is Being “Persecuted” over Child Sexual Abuse
Pope Francis has responded to the tens of thousands of cases of child sexual abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy worldwide by claiming the Church is being victimised. The Pope recently wrapped up a month-long meeting, or ‘Synod’, for...
Sydney Police Officer Charged with Child Sexual Assault
A Sydney police officer has been arrested and charged with a range of child sex offences, including attempted sexual intercourse with a child under 10, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child aged between the ages of 10 and...
Pope Defrocks Priest who Sexually Abused Children
In an exceptionally rare but welcomed move, Pope Francis (pictured) has defrocked a Chilean priest convicted of sexually assaulting children. It’s the toughest penalty available to the Pope - with the exception of ex-communication, and a sign the Church may...
Family Court ‘Expert’ Under Investigation
There are calls for change in the Australian family law system after an approved ‘expert’ was referred for investigation over allegations he prepared “grossly inaccurate” reports to be presented in evidence to support claims of child abuse and family violence....
Catholic Church Continues Refusal to Report Child Sexual Assaults
Australia’s Catholic leaders have steadfastly refused to break the seal of confession, regardless of the consequences. Existing laws Section 127 of the New South Wales Evidence Act enables clergy “to refuse to disclose a religious confession made to him or...
Convicted Catholic Archbishop Resigns
The most senior Catholic in the world to be convicted of concealing a serious indictable offence has resigned amid intense public pressure. 67-year old Adelaide Archbishop Phillip Wilson stepped-down from his position yesterday, more than two months after being found...
The Impact of Social Media on a Fair Trial
Social media can be a source of information and leisure, a way to connect with other people and a means to express views about a range of subjects - including those which invoke emotions such as anger and disgust. But...
NSW Passes Stronger Child Sexual Abuse Laws, But Priests Remain Protected
Late last night, the parliament of NSW passed one of the most comprehensive criminal justice reform packages in state history. The state’s attorney general Mark Speakman introduced the legislation designed to crackdown on child sexual predators into state parliament on...
Catholic Priests Refuse to Report Child Sexual Abuse
South Australian Catholic priests say they will defy a forthcoming state law which will require them to report information received during past or present confessions about child sex abuse. The South Australian Catholic Church has made it clear its members...
Pell to Stand Trial over Child Sexual Assault Allegations
The Melbourne Magistrates Court has committed Cardinal George Pell to stand trial over multiple historical child sexual assault allegations. Magistrate Belinda Wallington found there is enough evidence for Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric to stand trial. However, the court discharged...
