Catholic Church on George Pell conviction: ‘We are not sweeping it under the rug’

A Father at a church in Sydney has spoken out about the seriousness of Cardinal George Pell’s sexual abuse charges, claiming they are not going to “sweep it under the rug”.

Speaking at a service in Sydney at the weekend, Father Jim McKeon said it’s not time to deny such crimes or the hurt they have brought to people across the country, the SBS reports.

In an address from the Our Lady of Dolours’ Parish in Chatswood in the Lower North Shore of Sydney, McKeon spoke of the terrible effects abuse has had on Australians.

“I think it is really important that we are addressing it, that we are not hiding it, we are not sweeping it under the rug,” he reportedly said during the service.

“If Cardinal Pell was the first priest to be convicted of such a heinous crime, it would be bad enough.”

McKeon went on to say how Pell’s conviction has been hard on some, and could potentially spark anger, shock and sadness but it’s a problem that needs to be put into the spotlight.

“What makes it so devastating is that he is just one of many, too many, far too many clergy convicted of the similar crimes.”

His comments come after the sister of a man, who was allegedly abused by Pell in the 1970s spoke out, claiming she’s “comfortable” with the court’s decision to drop the second trial, praising the jury for their guilty

Karen Monument, whose sibling Lyndon was allegedly sexually assaulted by Pell at a Ballarat swimming pool years ago, told The Age she was “compelled” to share her message after the eventful week.

Sharing a statement with the publication following the Cardinal’s conviction, Karen explained the “dark times” her family has been through since her brother decided to come forward with the allegations almost four years ago and how her “faith in being human” has been restored by the jury’s decision.

“What dampens my rage and instead restores my faith in being human is how the public has sent the strongest message to these men of white privilege and power,” she said in the statement.

“You no longer rule our world.The well-deserved public backlash that has been directed at these men has been both eloquent and raw and completely united in its message – you are no longer of much interest to us.”

Read more: ‘You no longer rule our world’: Sister of George Pell accuser speaks out

Karen went on to thank the 12 people on the jury, noting how stressful the process would have been. She also sent a message of support to victims of sexual abuse.

“In all of this noise, their message comes through quietly, powerfully and is directed to those who have not yet come forward and sadly to those who are yet to have their experience – you are safe, we believe you,” she wrote.

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