New Catholic Bishop of Townsville, Bishop Timothy Harris says he will appoint a Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bishop Harris said the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults would be a priority for him.
“This is a significant step for the diocese to employ a dedicated person to help the Church to ensure that all possible measures are in place to protect children, young people and all vulnerable adults from any form of abuse and that our Catholic community is fully educated about this vital aspect of our life and mission,” Bishop Harris said.
The position of Safeguarding Coordinator will provide advice and counsel to the Bishop on all matters relating to the education and training of church workers and volunteers on the protection of children and vulnerable adults.
This person will drive the development and implementation of policy and procedures within the diocese and work in conjunction with priests and parishes to ensure compliance.
Bishop Harris said they would also focus on the professional integrity of clergy and church workers and all those engaged in activities involving children.
“We must deliver more than words. We must deliver action and outcomes,” he said.
“I believe this new position will help us greatly in delivering those outcomes.”
The Church is seeking suitable person experienced in child protection and policy development.
Bishop Harris told the Townsville Bulletin said the Townsville diocese had not been immune to child abuse describing former Mount Isa Catholic Father Neville Joseph Creen as a “bad egg” and said there was no place in the church for such priests.
Creen, a priest in Mount Isa from 1973 to 1981, was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court in 2003 to three and half years jail after pleading guilty to 34 counts of indecent dealings and he was sentenced to a further two years suspended sentence in 2004 after pleading guilty to a further six charges.