In stating that the mayor and myself declared an interest in this matter the phrase “due to being members of the Joint Regional Planning Panel" should have been included. 

There are now Facebook postings on this matter that are incorrectly assuming that our interest was financial.

I ask the Mercury in the future to be more careful what they leave out in a story.

Cr Bob Geoghegan

East Maitland

It isn’t a shock anymore when we hear about abuse in the church and the ensuing cover-ups.  It is a surprise, however, when one of their own takes a stand against the sins taking place behind closed doors.  

It’s rare to find a pastor who is willing to speak out against clergy sexual abuse.  When one is found, it's like finding a treasured pearl.

Churches know clergy are abusing members of their flock and that it goes against God’s Word.  But they don’t know how to properly handle such cases and are thrown into chaos after a leader engages in sexual misconduct. Unfortunately, silence is often their choice of action.

The Catholic Church is infamous for its abuse and cover-ups.  What most people might not be aware of is that abusive spiritual leaders strike in every denomination, religious, and faith group throughout the world.  “Spotlight,” an award-winning film, raised more awareness of abuse within the church than ever before.  Sadly, a sequel is in order.

A recent article in the Maitland Mercury [Pastor pushes for law change, July 27] reveals the work Pastor Bob Cotton is committed to on behalf of victims of child sexual abuse.  He was exposed to the devastation personally when his friend, abused by clergy, died from drug and alcohol abuse.  He is now fighting for tougher penalties for those who keep child abuse silent.  He stated, “I don’t believe there will ever be justice for the victims until those who cover up child sex offences are treated the same as the perpetrators.” 

Working with adult victims of clergy abuse, I hold a similar sentiment.  Justice cannot be met when a victim is told by an elder that it is her religious duty to keep silent.  Wherever this advice originated is beyond comprehension.  It is presumed that religious organisations are familiar with the Bible and know that God requires honesty and integrity from its leaders.  The elder who told a victim to keep silent is just as responsible as the abuser.

Facing this on a regular basis, I find that most victims are silenced while the offender continues on in his position of authority, where he will abuse again.  Once the church becomes aware of their leader’s sin, if they choose to ignore it, they are equally responsible for the abuse. With knowledge comes responsibility. Pastor Cotton realises this dynamic and goes further by saying victims will not find justice as long as they are silenced.  It only adds more trauma to the abused.

Pastor Cotton also pointed out that harsher penalties for concealing sexual abuse might cause people to take notice and report cases immediately and appropriately.  It is unfortunate that legislation is needed; it should be done simply because it is the right thing to do.

The church must take a stand against clergy abuse, seek justice, and start advocating for victims.  Until then, I will continue searching for more pearls in the sand who will stand up against the majority and begin to break the silence.

Mary Jo Noworyta

Victim Support Coordinator, The Hope of Survivors, New York, USA