In a media firestorm, bunkering down won’t help

30 Sep 2011

By The Record

When confronted by a firestorm there are two courses of action: fight or flight. The latter is the most prudent; the former tenable only with advance preparation, including a fire-proof bunker to save your life when all else is lost.

 

A media firestorm, on the hand, requires a different response.

The archdiocese of Adelaide is now dealing with the outbreak, on two separate fronts, of criticisms of its past and present handling of sexual abuse allegations. Though the cases are very different, a number of parallels might be drawn. First, the role of lawyers in shaping official responses. Second, the skills of the archdiocese’s vicar-general, Monsignor David Cappo, in handling complaints. Third, a bunker-down approach to media management.

In the case of the complaint by the Adelaide-based global primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion, Archbishop John Hepworth, it would take more than the wisdom of Solomon to reconcile the contradictions between his and the archdiocese’s version of the events that have led, four years after he raised his claims of being raped four decades ago by a priest (still working in an Adelaide parish), to the archdiocese’s investigation being at a “preliminary” stage just weeks ago.

Early on, Archbishop Hepworth expressed gratitude for the sensitivity demonstrated by the archdiocese’s vicar-general. His view has clearly changed – especially since his complaint was made formal, according to the Church’s national Towards Healing protocols, in February. The archdiocese, for its part, has placed responsibility for the delay firmly on Archbishop Hepworth’s shoulders.

What the archdiocese is finding hard to explain is exactly where its investigation is now, and on what basis it is being conducted. The archdiocese’s few public statements rebutting Archbishop Hepworth’s criticisms have raised as many questions as they answer.

As Cardinal George Pell noted: “Public confidence in the integrity and proper implementation of the Catholic Church’s procedures in dealing with sexual abuse is vital in obtaining justice for complainants and all concerned.”

Not only must the right thing be done, it must be seen to be done.