In a significant move towards healing, Anglican Bishop Richard Condie is set to apologise to the Deloraine community in Tasmania for the actions of paedophile priest Louis Victor Daniels. This apology marks a pivotal moment in addressing the historical abuse that has left deep scars on the community.

Key Takeaways

• Bishop Richard Condie will apologise to the Deloraine community for the actions of Louis Daniels.
• Daniels, a former rector, is serving his third prison sentence for child sexual abuse.
• The apology aims to provide closure and healing for victims and the community.
• The Anglican Church has faced criticism for its handling of abuse cases in the past.

Background Of The Apology

Louis Victor Daniels was a rector at the Anglican church in Deloraine during the 1980s and is one of Tasmania’s most notorious paedophiles. His crimes spanned several decades, affecting numerous victims, including John Steen, who was abused between the ages of 10 and 16. Steen has been vocal about the church’s role in facilitating the abuse by moving Daniels around and promoting him within the church hierarchy.

Bishop Condie’s apology is part of a broader effort by the Anglican Church to confront its past and acknowledge the pain caused by its members. "Abuse leads to a ripple effect, affecting not just the survivor but their families and the wider community," Condie stated, emphasising the importance of addressing these issues.

Community Reactions

The response to the upcoming apology has been mixed. While some see it as a step towards healing, others, like Steen, question its sincerity and effectiveness. Steen, who successfully sued the church for damages, believes that the church must take full responsibility for its actions rather than merely offering apologies.

Steve Fisher, an advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse, echoed similar sentiments, stating that many in the community remain disgusted with the church’s past actions. He noted that apologies alone will not suffice to rebuild trust.

Changes Within The Church

In light of the historical abuse cases, the Anglican Church in Tasmania has implemented several changes to improve child safety. Bishop Condie claims that the church now has some of the most robust practices for working with children among community organisations. This includes:

• Establishing a redress scheme for survivors of abuse.
• Selling church properties to fund redress claims, which have reached $17.5 million since 2018.
• Removing honour boards that list rectors, including Daniels, as the church considers how to address its past.

Future Steps

Bishop Condie has expressed a commitment to continue addressing the needs of abuse survivors and the community. He mentioned the possibility of further apologies to local communities if deemed helpful. However, the church faces ongoing challenges in rebuilding its reputation and ensuring the safety of its members.

As the apology approaches, the Deloraine community and survivors of abuse await to see if this gesture will lead to meaningful change and healing. The church’s past actions have left a lasting impact, and many hope that this moment can serve as a turning point in acknowledging and rectifying the wrongs of the past.