Top Australian Catholic convicted of hiding sexual abuse of minors
In a major win for the fight against sexual abuse of children in institutions, Philip Wilson, the archbishop of Australia's Adelaide, has become the world's most senior Catholic to be convicted. Wilson, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, was held guilty of concealing abuse of altar boys by his colleague in New South Wales in the 1970s. He could be jailed for upto two years.
Wilson knew about the abuse but did nothing
Wilson is accused of covering up when four teenage victims approached him decades ago and told him of sexual abuse by his colleague James Fletcher. According to Peter Fox, former chief inspector, at least one could have been saved from harm had Wilson acted on time. Fletcher was found guilty of nine child sexual abuse charges in 2004. He died in jail in 2006.
When victims confessed, they were chided and punished instead
One of those who confided in Wilson claims that when he told him, the archbishop instead accused him of lying about Fletcher, and gave him punishment instead. He was 11. Peter Creigh, another victim, was 15 when he told Wilson about Fletcher in 1976. One says when he confessed, Wilson disbelieved him because Fletcher "was a good bloke."
Wilson cites Alzheimer to have trial withdrawn, but contrary conditions
Wilson's team has tried to have the case against him thrown out of court four times, including on grounds of Alzheimer's. Incidentally, though the impairment could have 'affected' his memories, he has maintained it wasn't severe enough for him to stand down from his job.
Archbishop wanted to protect the Church's reputation: Court
Wilson denied knowing about the abuse, and claimed he didn't remember any such conversation with the alleged victims. His counsel argued there was no proof of the victims telling him, him believing them, or him remembering the conversations, if any, either. But the court noted that Wilson knew he was hearing "a credible allegation," and wanted "to protect the Church and its reputation."
Victims hail verdict, but Wilson might appeal
Fox called the verdict "a major turning point." "I am confident this will make waves in the Vatican." For Creigh, the ruling brought him "a huge sense of relief" on a "very significant day for all victims." Wilson said he was "obviously disappointed." "I'll have to consider reasons and consult closely with my lawyers to determine the next steps." He'll be sentenced in June.
Institutional sex abuse a rampant problem, thousands victimized
According to data from Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sex Abuse, more than 4,440 people were sexually abused in institutions during 1980-2015. 7% of the country's Catholic priests were allegedly involved in such crimes during 1950-2010.
