a_unique_person
8th July 2008, 04:26 PM
http://www.theage.com.au/national/pell-denies-covering-up-sex-abuse-by-priest-20080708-3bwe.html
THE Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, has denied he covered up sexual abuse by a Sydney priest, and refused to stand aside or resign over his treatment of a 2003 sexual assault claim.
His denial was made as new claims were aired last night by the ABC's Lateline program that Cardinal Pell had rejected assault allegations by Lismore man Anthony Jones relating to when Mr Jones was a trainee teacher, despite advice from a church investigator that they should be substantiated.
Documents aired by the ABC also showed Cardinal Pell did not alter his view or inform Mr Jones of the recommendation despite a July 2003 church report that said Father Terence Goodall was guilty of other sexual and indecent assaults, had "no boundaries" and "no sympathy for victims" and "was likely to reoffend".
Cardinal Pell said yesterday he had not contacted Mr Jones after realising he had misrepresented the investigation but considered the matter closed.
Cardinal Pell, Australia's highest Catholic, wrote to Mr Jones in 2003 saying the church's investigator had not found his rape claim to be substantiated and that there had been no other complaints against Father Goodall.
Both statements were untrue, Cardinal Pell said yesterday, but "there was no cover-up". He said the letter was "badly worded and a mistake", "an innocent error" and an "overstatement".
Admit it George, you are wrong, and must resign. You happily condone and protect the rape of children by your own priests.
THE Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell, has denied he covered up sexual abuse by a Sydney priest, and refused to stand aside or resign over his treatment of a 2003 sexual assault claim.
His denial was made as new claims were aired last night by the ABC's Lateline program that Cardinal Pell had rejected assault allegations by Lismore man Anthony Jones relating to when Mr Jones was a trainee teacher, despite advice from a church investigator that they should be substantiated.
Documents aired by the ABC also showed Cardinal Pell did not alter his view or inform Mr Jones of the recommendation despite a July 2003 church report that said Father Terence Goodall was guilty of other sexual and indecent assaults, had "no boundaries" and "no sympathy for victims" and "was likely to reoffend".
Cardinal Pell said yesterday he had not contacted Mr Jones after realising he had misrepresented the investigation but considered the matter closed.
Cardinal Pell, Australia's highest Catholic, wrote to Mr Jones in 2003 saying the church's investigator had not found his rape claim to be substantiated and that there had been no other complaints against Father Goodall.
Both statements were untrue, Cardinal Pell said yesterday, but "there was no cover-up". He said the letter was "badly worded and a mistake", "an innocent error" and an "overstatement".
Admit it George, you are wrong, and must resign. You happily condone and protect the rape of children by your own priests.