Apology to survivors of abuse and their families

The following resolution was unanimously carried by the Synod meeting in June 2004:

“That this Synod and we as members of it acknowledge with deep regret and repentance the past failings of the Church and its members. On behalf of the whole Church in this diocese 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 have acknowledged 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 in this diocese 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.”

A permanent plaque carrying this apology dedicated to those who suffered and those who continue to suffer was affixed to the Narthex of St Peter’s Cathedral Adelaide at the Service of Apology to Survivors by The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, Archbishop of Adelaide on Shrove Tuesday 2020.