Diocese of Palmerston North

Catholic Church Makes Apology For Abuse

Published on 26th Mar, 2021

The Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has made a formal apology to victims and survivors of abuse. Cardinal John Dew, Archbishop of Wellington and President of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, gave the apology in Auckland during a hearing of the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, on behalf of bishops and congregational leaders

 

“You have spoken and continue to speak. We are listening, and we have heard you. We apologise and we are sorry.”

Address by Archbishop of Wellington, John Dew, 26th March 2021.

 

You can read Archbishop of Wellington, John Dew’s full address here. You can also read the official NZCBC press release here. We invite you to join us in supporting and praying for those who have been affected by abuse.

 

The Church takes all complaints of abuse seriously. Complaints of sexual abuse against church personnel in New Zealand are referred to the Church’s National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS). We encourage anyone who has been abused by a priest or religious to contact them, for your story to be heard and your complaint to be investigated. Alternately you may choose to go directly to the Police, and the Church will support anyone who requires assistance to do this.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 114 622
Website: https://safeguarding.catholic.org.nz/

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