Opinion Articles

SOUL MATTERS: Resurrecting hope from the abyss of abuse
By Catherine Mahony

The issue of sexual abuse by some clergy – so prevalent in the media at the moment - hardly seems to connect with the Easter hope that Christians profess. If anything, it’s a Good Friday experience – of brokenness, of denial, of betrayal, of past systemic failure, of bewilderment, devastation and what seems for some to be an inconsolable grief.

Last year I was part of an experience in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle which I believe was a moment of promise and potential. “Insights” is an initiative which the diocese has embarked upon as one process for exploring ways to address the powerful and destructive impact of the issue of abuse on our local community.

Late last year over 150 people from throughout the diocese gathered in small groups to reflect, listen to others and share their thoughts and feelings on the impact of sexual abuse by some clergy.

It wasn’t an open forum, a workshop, a debate. It wasn’t about finding answers, prevention or education, or discussing the status of cases currently before the courts. It was the simple yet complex act of engaging in a conversation, of speaking some of our truths and listening to those of others.

Perhaps it is best summed up in the words of the Insights intention: “The courage to listen: to ourselves, to each other and to the Spirit, in response to the issue of sexual abuse in our community in the hope of addressing together our emerging needs”.

I was struck by a number of realities at the gatherings I attended. People seemed very respectful of each other and the process and were grateful for the opportunity to voice their feelings.

On a number of occasions I was aware of individuals who seemed to be experiencing great pain, and I admired their courage in coming. I was also aware of the conflict many people feel in attempting to make some sense of this issue.

How can we remain loyal to the Church and still admit to our confusion and doubts? How do we maintain friendships with fellow parishioners and perhaps even family members with whom we disagree vehemently? In addition it was clear that people had other concerns about the Church and expressed a desire for change in many areas. Great concern was expressed for the victims of sexual abuse.

In hindsight, I can find many resonances between Insights and the Easter story. We are a community trying to make sense of our experiences and encounters through conversation. We are trying to find new and different meanings in the face of current realities. We dare to believe in hope and healing.

The next Insights gathering will take place on Tuesday 4 May from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at the St Lawrence Centre, Broadmeadow Road, Broadmeadow, next to the church.

For further information, contact the Insights Team on 4940 8091 or insightsteam@mn.catholic.org.au.

Catherine Mahony is a member of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Insights Team. Article submitted by the Churches Media Association.

*This article was published in The Herald, 19th April 2010