Comment 2 

[continued] how to respond to the Royal Commission’s final report and how to restore trust in the Church.  

The Royal Commission was very critical of the clericalism of the Catholic Church, of the efforts by bishops everywhere to protect the reputation of priests and of the Church with (an utter) disregard for the need to protect children and deal with sexual abusers.  Among many issues raised, there was discussion of the lack of females in decision making/governance roles.   There was also pointed discussion regarding mandatory reporting of information received regarding child sex abuse, including what was/is learned in the confessional.  

The Australian Bishops Conference has also called for a national Plenary Council to be held in 2020:  “It’s clear then that the Church here is passing through a time of deep, painful and permanent change – which is why the bishops have decided for a Plenary Council, [continued]