By Mike Bain/The Daily Examiner.
The issue of religious institutions hiding behind prayer while failing to address abuse within their ranks remains deeply troubling for those who were and remain victims.
Survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based institutions in New Zealand have long fought for recognition, justice, and meaningful action.
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry revealed that nearly 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults suffered abuse while in state and religious care over the past 70 years.
Faith-based institutions were found to have higher rates of sexual abuse than state care, with many victims facing cover-ups, relocation of abusers, and outright denial of culpability.
Against this backdrop, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Statement on Fighting Hopelessness in the Jubilee Year of Hope rings hollow for many survivors.
While the bishops call for peace and justice, their failure to provide genuine redress for victims within their own dioceses undermines their moral credibility.
Survivors have repeatedly spoken out about the lack of compassionate responses, blocked investigations, and legal intimidation used against them. This contradiction between words and actions makes their pastoral statements appear hypocritical and insincere.
The Royal Commission’s final report, Whanaketia – Through Pain and Trauma, from Darkness to Light, highlighted the systemic failures of both state and religious institutions in protecting those in their care.
Survivors shared harrowing testimonies of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, often beginning from their first day in care. The report called for fundamental changes to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.
For the Catholic Church in New Zealand, the time for empty words has passed.
Survivors deserve real action, not just pastoral statements. The bishops must practice what they preach—offering compassion, respect, and fairness through tangible reforms, transparent investigations, and survivor-led redress processes.
The responsibility also falls on Catholics themselves to hold their leaders accountable and demand justice for victims.
Hope cannot be built on denial and avoidance. It must be forged through truth, accountability, and meaningful change.
Addressing accountability in religious institutions requires structural reforms, transparency, and survivor-centered approaches. Here are some key steps:
- Independent Oversight & Investigations
- Establish independent bodies to investigate abuse allegations, ensuring they are not controlled by religious institutions.
- Implement mandatory reporting laws for clergy and religious leaders.
- Legal & Financial Accountability
- Hold institutions legally responsible for covering up abuse.
- Ensure financial transparency, preventing misuse of funds meant for victims’ support.
- Survivor-Centered Justice
- Provide accessible redress schemes for survivors, including compensation and mental health support.
- Ensure public apologies and acknowledgment of harm caused.
- Community & Cultural Change
- Educate religious communities on power dynamics and abuse prevention.
- Encourage faithful members to hold leaders accountable rather than blindly defending institutions.
- Government & Policy Intervention
- Strengthen laws protecting victims and preventing institutional cover-ups.
- Ensure regular audits of religious institutions’ handling of abuse cases.
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry in New Zealand has highlighted the systemic failures of faith-based institutions. Survivors have spoken about clericalism, where religious leaders wield unchecked power, enabling abuse.
A culture of silence within religious communities has allowed perpetrators to act with impunity.
Real accountability requires action, not just words.
Survivors deserve justice, transparency, and meaningful change.
