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Cardinal John Dew, Catholic Archbishop of Wellington and Metropolitan of New Zealand, apologized at the Royal Commission on Abuse in Care on behalf of New Zealand bishops and congregational leaders.
“Today, recognizing the importance of this moment, I apologize, on behalf of the bishops and congregational leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand,” said Cardinal Dew, who is also president of the New Zealand Conference of Catholic Bishops. .
“I also apologize on behalf of those who preceded us as bishops and congregational leaders. We do not offer excuses for their actions, or ours, that have caused them harm.”
Cardinal Dew’s comments in Auckland formed part of witness statements from religious institutions in the ongoing Abuse in Care investigation to resolve historical and current abuse claims.
The investigation found that the children, some as young as nine months old, suffered years of abuse, including rape and electric shock treatment, by staff at state and psychiatric care facilities, clergy and guardians.
“We recognize that the systems and culture of the Church allowed the abuse to occur. These systems and culture failed them and must change,” Cardinal Dew said.
The Royal Commission will make recommendations to the government in its final report later this year. It is one of the longest and most complex committees of inquiry conducted in New Zealand.
