Even with the incomprehensibly horrible subject matter under investigation in the Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into child sexual abuse, the testimony given by Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric, Cardinal George Pell, was categorically shocking.
Shocking because of Pell’s admission that the Catholic church has been complicit in covering up child sex abuse. He said, “I am happy to accept the invitation of the Premier [Denis Napthine] and to say that I’m fully apologetic and absolutely sorry, and that is the basis for everything on which I’ll say now.”
It was shocking because of the reasoning Pell gave to explain why sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy had been systemically covered up by the Church: “… The primary motivation would have been to respect the reputation of the church,” he said.
Shocking, was his reference to “the gospels” in explaining the support he had shown former priest and convicted serial child abuser, Gerald Ridsdale. Pell’s testimony on this matter was: “I felt there was something in the gospels where Christ speaks about being with the lowest of the low. As an expression of solidarity, I gave that limited support.”
Shocking was the reminder of the prolonged trauma that child sexual abuse victims suffer, which a paper published by the Australian Institute of Family Studies
in 2010 identified as including, but not limited to, physical and mental health problems,
suicidal behaviour, eating disorders and obesity, alcohol and substance
abuse and aggressive, violent and criminal behaviour. Cardinal Pell said, “There’s no doubt about it that lives have been blighted… There’s no doubt about it that these crimes have contributed to too
many suicides.”
Shocking, was the colourless detachment with which Pell discussed these matters. The real passion was shown by the people who were following the proceedings, and the anger voiced in comment forums and across social media was palpable. Here are a few excerpts from the reams of abuse inquiry commentary on Twitter yesterday…
After a day listening to Pell I am going to shave my head, burn my clothes, bath in bleach, have my brain replaced #abuseinquiry
— Catherine Deveny(@CatherineDeveny) May 27, 2013
Cardinal Pell says that the Catholic Church is being treated unfairly and should be treated like any other organisation. I agree, tax them.
— Thomas Jaspers (@thomasjohn86) May 27, 2013
compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. SHAME on you George Pell – You display zero qualities needed at the #abuseinquiry
— Katrina Lim (@Katster904) May 27, 2013
George Pell. You despicable, pathetic excuse for a human being. It’s no wonder masses are turning away from the church. #abuseinquiry
— Gin Morabito (@drumitallaway) May 27, 2013
George Pell managed to completely crucify himself today, something even Jesus couldn’t manage. #abuseinquiry
— Reezy Miller (@Trixie_Boo) May 27, 2013
Id rather send my daughter to be schooled by the hell’s angels than the #catholic church after watching #pell on #abc730 #abuseinquiry
— Tom Hartney (@mrtomhartney) May 27, 2013
To be archbishop is it mandatory or just an advantage to have low self awareness? #pell #abuseinquiry
— BigE (@Sustain_AU) May 27, 2013
Cardinal Pell, neither you nor the Catholic Church are the victims here. You need to learn this. #abuseinquiry
— Tim Campbell (@TimCampbellTwit) May 27, 2013
And now in limerick form:
When Cardinal PellArrived in Hell,He was still trying to have the last word,The turd.#clerihew
— Mike Lynch (@spikelynch) May 27, 2013
Via ABC News
