I am a Roman Catholic priest. Recently I  returned from a journey to Australia.  Midway through the airplane journey both from and to New Zealand the stewardess handed out the Immigration Form which needs be completed prior to arrival. One of the ‘boxes’ that needs be filled out has the heading “Occupation” – Usually, I complete this ‘box’ by writing in ‘Catholic priest ‘. On this occasion, I hesitated. I have yet to fully process the source of that hesitation; was it fright, anger, shame, insecurity? What I do know is that, for the first time I became really aware that I was one of a group of men who have been in the media spotlight for all the wrong reasons, namely the sexual abuse of minors.

I wish to state categorically that I regard the sexual abuse of minors as a criminal offence and needs be reported to the criminal authorities and be dealt with by them. To me that is just. I cannot and will not make apologies for priests who have been involved with the sexual abuse of minors. However, we need be reminded that what we know now of sexual abuse and paedophilia, we did not in earlier times. It has been acknowledged by Church authorities both within New Zealand and elsewhere that the handling of cases and persons was ill-conceived and  tragic mistakes were made. There is, now, within the New Zealand Church, a careful, transparent and robust process for dealing with any complaint of sexual abuse. There is no evidence that celibacy causes priests to abuse children. Neither is there any evidence that homosexuality is a cause for the sexual abuse of minors. Throughout our society, most such offenders are not celibate or homosexual. Rather they are married or have a sexual partner.

I do not consider justice diminishes the virtue of charity. The picture I have in my imagination at the moment is the front page cover of TIME magazine of some years back which showed Pope John Paul II visiting his would-be assassin Mehet Ah Agca. The cover picture shows John Paul II holding the hand that held the gun that was meant to kill him. This moment takes place within the confines of a prison cell!

I believe I am being called to a Gospel spirit of justice, compassion and mercy. Where there is evil and wrongdoing it needs to be brought into the light where it is met with justice. Those who have been wronged need experience the compassion of Christ. Those who have offended need be shown mercy.
Abuse is not healed by further abuse. Hurt cannot heal hurt.

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