STORY - Reflections on Insights: Gathering to discuss the impact of abuse by some clergy

Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to participate in and facilitate shared conversation amongst small groups of people attending the Insights Gatherings. At the time of writing four of the six proposed gatherings have taken place. The purpose of the gatherings was to explore the impact of abuse by some clergy in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, to give the community the opportunity to share their feelings and to listen to the feelings of others. It was achieved through a structured small group process, which aimed to give people a safe environment (with parameters such as confidentiality which they defined for themselves) in which they could respectfully and openly discuss this issue. What follows is my reflection on what I heard, as a small group facilitator, about how the abuse issue has affected participants and some of the emerging needs that they identified.

The range and depth of participants’ experience of the impact of the abuse indicated that they carried a deep anguish and heaviness of heart; and also a deep desire to be freed of its ongoing effects. Whilst some participants had already initiated steps towards healing, others felt stuck and powerless in the face of the impact.

One powerful impact that the abuse by some clergy had on people was that it inflicted a wound of betrayal that fractured peoples’ trust in clergy. Suspicion and doubt about every priest’s bona fides was now often at the back of many people’s minds, with consequences in the way they related to clergy.

Others, by contrast, felt a good deal of compassion for the Bishop and clergy in the way that they seem to have been criticised by some media. Some also were concerned about possible false allegations being made against clergy in this atmosphere.

Sadly, for quite a number, the wound of betrayal made attending community worship and other gatherings led by clergy an ongoing painful experience. Some abandoned attendance altogether as a consequence.

The voice of clergy was also heard in the gatherings. Concern was raised (by both clergy and lay people alike) for the clergy who feel the pain of shame for the wrongful deeds of some of their brother clergy. The shame along with the perceived negative media coverage eats away at their sense of value and confidence in their ministry, particularly with the young. There is a desire amongst some clergy to be included in the healing process.

The Insights Gatherings concluded with small groups being invited to share their themes and perspectives and to report back to the large group some of the emerging needs that they identified. This material will guide the Insights Team and the leadership of the diocese as they attempt to shape the support required for the diocesan community, always mindful of specific needs of individual parishes or regions.

Some of the questions, issues, and emerging needs which were expressed include:

o Victims should never be condemned and must be listened to. We need to believe them. It is hard for victims to come forward. They need to be accepted so they can tell their story.
o We need to seek honesty, openness and accountability.
o We should fight against the injustice.
o We need to understand the legal process. What happens once the allegation comes forward?
o All of us as Catholics have been affected and are victims so need to see that we are survivors. Language is very important.
o We need to be heard and nurtured through the difficulties.
o For some the hurt is so raw this process hasn’t been productive.
o How do we rebuild the trust which has been lost because of the betrayal which has occurred in some instances?
o We need to have faith to hang in and hope that God will come to our aid.
o Many expressed support for the initiatives of Bishop Michael in our Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle; but there were those who thought that the Bishop has aligned himself too closely with the victims and not closely enough with those against whom the allegation has been made.
o A need was expressed for a clarification of the role of Zimmerman House in the diocese and its stance on this issue.
o What is the place of our church in the world and in the future?
o A need was expressed for changes in the church, starting with the Vatican.
o The church is called to witness honesty and compassion.
o There is a need for something like the Insights process in individual parishes.

At the end of each Insights gathering there was a feeling amongst most participants that the road to healing had begun in the very experience of being listened to and affirmed, not only by each other but also by the institutional church through the Insights Team.

The symbolic significance of the institutional church (through its Insights Team) responding to participants’ pain with compassionate and affirming listening appeared to be very profound. It seemed to inspire a hopeful vision of a church divested of the need to exercise power and control in its relationships. It envisioned a church of strength in vulnerability, and power in weakness, that each member is for each other.

To share your reflections or to seek information please E insightsteam@mn.catholic.org.au or phone Insights through Zimmerman House on 4940 8091.

Dennis Hunter-Papp
Social Worker and Counsellor
Sydney

Back to Aurora Homepage