“…we acknowledge with deep sadness and regret that a number of clergy and religious have sexually abused children, adolescents and adults who have been in their pastoral care. To these victims we offer our sincere apology “
New Zealand Catholic Bishops, A Path to Healing – Te Houhanga Rongo.
A protocol for dealing with complaints of abuse was established by the bishops in 1993 called A Path to Healing, Te Houhanga Rongo.
The bishops and congregational leaders established the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) to oversee the response to complaints of abuse.
Abuse can be sexual, physical or emotional. The Church takes all complaints of abuse seriously. Where the complaint of abuse appears to be of a criminal nature we encourage complainants to take the matter to the police, and will support them in doing so. If the alleged abuse is reported to the police, we will not protect the accused/offender from the processes of civil law nor hide the facts from those entitled to know.
“A Path to Healing, Te houhanga Rongo” please click here to view or download
To report a complaint of abuse by a member of the clergy or of a religious order, please contact:
The National Office of Professional Standards.
PH: 0800 114 622
Auckland Diocese Contact:
Sister Jane O’Carroll – Pastoral Assistant to the Bishop
Phone: 09 360 3003
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