The New Zealand Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has singled out religious communities — and in particular, the Catholic Church — for failing to address or prevent abuse children and vulnerable adults in care facilities. (CRUX report)

The final report of the Commission, which spent six years holding hearings and investigating events from 1950 until the present day, said that abuse was “unimaginable” in state and faith-run institutions, explaining at least 200,000 people have been abused in these care facilities over the decades.

Faith-based institutions had some unique factors that contributed to abuse and neglect in their care . . .

The assumed moral authority and trustworthiness of clergy and religious leaders allowed abusers in faith-based institutions to perpetrate abuse and neglect with impunity. Religious beliefs were often used to justify the abuse and neglect, and to silence survivors. Hierarchical and opaque decision-making processes impeded scrutiny and making complaints. . .

In its statement, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (NZCBC) said that it would carefully consider the Inquiry’s Final Report.

Over the past 30 years, the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand has made significant progress in responding to reports of abuse and safeguarding. We must continue to work to ensure that progress continues and that our church communities are places where people are safe