For the Innocents

On the death of George Pell

13 January 2023

All four Gospels teach that Jesus claimed children as being icons for heavenly values and therefore they must be protected. Each Gospel says that anyone who fails in this duty will be punished (see Matthew 18:3; 19:13-15; Mark 10:15; Luke 18:15-17).

All four Gospels also tell of the immense dignity inherent in a child and yet many Archbishops and Bishops in Australia including George Pell have failed in their duty to protect children from being greatly harmed at the hands of their predator priests.

Instead these men of the Church appear to have chosen to protect their Catholic Institution rather than follow the teachings of Christ in the Scriptures.

Cardinal Pell was a highly intelligent man, educated at Oxford and trained in theology in Rome, but like many churchmen his attitude and actions towards what has happened to children has remained indifferent until the Royal Commission brought the Cardinal and others to account.

Pell was one of many in positions of power in the Catholic Church who regard themselves as being chosen by God and therefore above scrutiny by the faithful. To this day they still appear to fail to understand the dignity of childhood. This attitude from men who claim to represent him on earth, is not in communion with what Jesus Christ taught and expects.

May the soul of George Pell be enlightened by the knowledge of God’s Truth and as he faces his final judgement for his words and actions in this life, may he express sorrow and thus find peace as eternity beckons him home.

We at For the Innocents express our support for all the abused, their families and truth-telling whistle blowers at this difficult time who have been deeply affected by the actions of perpetrators, not forgetting the actions or omissions to act by those in church management. Stay strong and stay safe. And don't be afraid to lean on those who love you and those whom you love.

New Healing Strategy Document

 Developing a Restorative Healing Strategy for the Catholic Dioceses of Australia

RESTORING THE FACE OF JESUS

 Pentecost 2018

See Documents to download the Healing Strategy

This strategy is offered to the Australian church particularly its dioceses and religious orders as a way of proceeding into the future. We have also forwarded it to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors at the Vatican.

 We hope that this will be the seed for groups both in diocesan centres and parishes as they give much thought to implementing the twenty-two recommendations in this document which are related to those of the Royal Commission.