National Redress and Apology

National Redress and Apology

The provision of redress is an important component to meeting the needs of survivors.

The Anglican Diocese of Perth has joined the National Redress Scheme, in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The Diocese introduced its own formal Redress Scheme in 2004 (Pastoral Care and Assistance Process) and has been working with survivors to provide redress in recognition for the harm that has been done. This includes monetary payments, access to counselling and psychological care and a direct personal response in the form of an apology.

Apology
Apology delivered by The Right Reverend Jeremy James tssf, Assistant Bishop of Perth, at the Vigil in St George’s Cathedral on Monday 22 October 2018 in response to the National Apology to the Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse.

We know that abuse that has been perpetrated by people known and trusted in the Church has had a devastating impact.

On behalf of the Archbishop and the Anglican Church in Perth I apologise to all survivors of abuse at the hands of people who they trusted and relied on within the Church. We believe you. We are sorry.

God bless the children and young people of our communities.
Bless them with families full of love,
schools that nourish and stretch them,
faith communities that treasure and teach them,
friends that grow with them.
Send the spark of your Spirit to guide them
as they grow into maturity
and begin to take their place as citizens among us.
Watch over the vulnerable children:
those with illness or disability,
those who live with poverty or disadvantage.
Give your wisdom and compassion
to all who work in child protection,
foster care, youth justice and child advocacy.
When children are suffering or at risk,
may they always be heard and believed.
Teach every one of us to be alert to their needs and their safety,
finding ways for all of them to flourish and shine.

May we gladly receive our children’s gifts
of love, faith, creativity and joy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.