Pastoral Letter from Very Rev. Dr. David Ranson

A PASTORAL LETTER TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN THE DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY ON RECENT EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA

Letter introduction: full letter can be accessed via link at end of this news item.

Over the coming weeks, a number of matters will attract considerable public attention: 
  • the commencement in Perth on Tuesday 21 July of a 15-day trial by jury of Bishop Christopher Saunders, formerly of the Diocese of Broome, for multiple historical sexual offence charges; 
  • the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry involving Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW) commencing in Sydney on Monday 27 July; 
  • and the continuing scrutiny of the liability of the Religious Congregation of the Christian Brothers in Australia.
The events to unfold over the coming weeks touch different dimensions of ecclesial life. Some concern questions of personal conduct and accountability; others concern governance and stewardship; still others remind us of the changing face of Religious Life in Australia and the responsibility that must be carried for those who have been wounded by the crime of sexual abuse. Together they may prompt anxiety and confusion, disappointment, sadness, or uncertainty among us. 

In particular, the reports of the ICAC Inquiry may have raised some questions about the role of CSNSW in respect to our own diocesan Catholic schools. It is important to note that CSNSW has no governance or operational role in our schools. CSNSW does support the work of Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) by liaising with the Federal and State governments, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance, and it plays a key role in distributing government funding to CSBB and other Catholic School Systems. Yet, while CSNSW has an important role in promoting and supporting Catholic education, CSNSW does not run, manage, make day-to-day operational decisions, or collect school fees for CSBB schools. The Director of Schools and the Board of Catholic Schools Broken Bay are responsible to the Bishop for the governance and operations of our Parish Primary and our Secondary schools.

 .......The Gospel invites us to embrace three dispositions.
  • First, we are called to remain committed to truth.....
  • Second, we are called to persevere in hope......
  • Third, we are called to trust in the providence of God.....
Full letter can be accessed by clicking here.




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