An apology to survivors of child sexual abuse in the Anglican Church

The Anglican Church of Australia acknowledges with deep regret and repentance the past failings of the Church and its members.

On behalf of the whole Anglican Church in this country we apologise unreservedly to those who have been harmed by sexual abuse perpetrated by people holding positions of power and trust in the Church.

We apologise for the shameful way we actively worked against and discouraged those who came to us and reported abuse.

We are ashamed to acknowledge that we only took notice when the survivors of abuse became a threat to us.

We apologise and ask forgiveness for the Church’s failure at many levels to listen to and acknowledge the plight of those who have been abused, to take adequate steps to assist them, and to prevent abuse from happening or recurring.

We commit the Church to listen to survivors of abuse to respond with compassion to all those who have been harmed, both to those who have come forward and to those who may choose to do so in the future, and to deal appropriately, transparently and fairly with those accused of abuse and negligence.

2004