Recent allegations at Royal Commission

Recent allegations at Royal Commission

Pastoral Note to Congregations and Presbyteries, 28 February 2015

On Friday the Royal Commission heard evidence regarding the possible destruction of documents relating to child sexual abuse at Knox Grammar School. Jim Mein, a past Moderator of the Uniting Church, was wrongly implicated in the destruction of these documents. Understandably the Church and Jim are most concerned by these allegations and the way it has been reported in the media.
Jim is unable to issue any personal comment as he is yet to appear before the Commission. He is due to appear on Monday when he will categorically deny the allegations. Jim is a man of the utmost integrity and the Church fully supports him.
I have been greatly saddened and moved by the appalling stories we have heard in the Royal Commission this past week, in particular stories of lives devastated by what occurred at Knox Grammar School. The survivors and their families have bravely carried a heavy burden of suffering for decades as a result of the sexual abuse.
Please pray for the survivors, the work of the Commission, the Knox Grammar School community and for Jim as he represents the Church in the Commission next week.
The Basis of Union tells us that God has given us the gift of the Spirit to “constantly correct that which is erroneous” in our life.
Through our learnings from the Commission we will work to create a safer Church.
We remember the teaching of the Apostle Paul: “Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable… think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8).

Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr Andrew Williams
General Secretary

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