A Call for Transparency: Brisbane's Anglican Church Must Confront Its Past and Build a Safer Future

In recent years, the Anglican Church, particularly in Brisbane, has faced mounting scrutiny over historical and ongoing claims of child sexual abuse. The release of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse's final report in December 2017 underscored the urgent need for transparency and accountability within the church. As we now reflect on the passage of time since that pivotal moment, it’s essential to explore the responsibility of the church to communicate openly with its members about both old and new abuse claims.

The statistics are staggering. Between 1980 and 2015, the Royal Commission documented 1,115 complaints of child sexual abuse across 22 Anglican dioceses, with Brisbane alone accounting for 371 of these complaints—33% of the total (29 attended St Francis Theological College in Brisbane). 

The commission also revealed that the total number of perpetrators nationally was 569, of whom 43% were ordained clergy and 50% were laypeople. This breakdown is crucial for understanding the sources of abuse and the need for systemic changes within both clerical and lay structures.

One of the primary responsibilities of the church is to rebuild trust within its community. Transparency about both historical and current abuse claims is fundamental to this process. When the church openly acknowledges the extent of the abuse and the steps it is taking to address it, it validates the experiences of victims and encourages others to come forward. Notably, three-quarters of those abused were male, and one-quarter were female, with the abuse typically beginning at an average age of 11 for both sexes. Victims must feel that the church prioritises healing and justice and that their suffering is recognized and taken seriously.

Transparency is also crucial for preventing future abuse. By openly discussing past incidents, the church can educate its members about recognising and reporting abuse. This culture of awareness is essential in safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals within the church’s institutions. The Royal Commission highlighted the need for better safeguarding measures, and the church must follow through on these recommendations with decisive action.

Beyond moral responsibility, the church also faces legal and ethical obligations to report abuse claims. Many jurisdictions require organisations to disclose allegations of abuse, and the church must comply with these regulations to protect its members, especially children. Failing to do so not only jeopardises the safety of vulnerable individuals but also erodes trust within the congregation.

As we review this situation in 2024, the question remains: What has changed since the Royal Commission's findings? The church has committed to reform, implementing various measures aimed at improving child protection and fostering a culture of transparency. However, ongoing scrutiny and evaluation are necessary to ensure these changes are effectively realised and that the church remains accountable to its members.

The Anglican Church, particularly in Brisbane, must recognise its significant responsibility to be transparent about abuse claims—both past and present. By doing so, it can rebuild trust, support victims, and foster a safer community for all members. The ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability is not just an institutional obligation; it is a moral imperative that aligns with the church’s mission to serve and protect its congregation.

In considering the wider context, we must also focus on the Supreme Court of Queensland, where 103 claims—ranging from personal injury to damages and more—have been filed against the Brisbane Diocese since 1994, with many still unresolved. God knows how many numerous cases may have been settled before reaching the court filing stage. 

My second question is, at what point does the church need to be transparent with its members about the implications of these claims? It seems clear that it’s time for another look under the bonnet—a thorough examination of the church's practices, policies, and responses to ensure that accountability is not just a commitment, but a reality.

You can find the church's various apologies here, but when does acknowledgment evolve into genuine action?

Photo: Anne Hywood, General Secretary of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia

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