Formal Press Release& Statement | 14 November 2012 | 10:18 am
ROYAL COMMISSION INTO CHILD SEX ABUSE CRIMES BY RELIGIOUS, EDUCATION, AND CHARITABLE SERVICES EMPLOYEES
The TelÉnnyn Asur Tradition of Wicca is an independent religious organisation with Temples located in Sydney and Melbourne Australia. We are an independent faith based organisation working separately yet spiritually connected to the world wide religious movement known as Wicca.
We welcome the Australian government’s recent announcement that a Royal Commission will be called to investigate the sexual abuse and neglect of children while in the care of religious organisations as well as institutions and care facilities. We applaud the state governments of NSW, VIC and QLD who have already begun their own independent commissions and investigations leading to the federal government’s response.
There is a plethora of research and data spanning back more than 50 years into the long term psychological effects of abuse and neglect on children. When adults, caregivers and spiritual leaders/representatives are entrusted with the blessed gift of nurturing, and protecting children/minors it is irreprehensible to presume such a position negates moral integrity to fulfil those roles in the lives of the young.
We find the abuse of children and/or minors abhorrent. And any suggestion that religious tradition, process or custom can or should in any way protect the perpetrators from criminal proceedings is inconsistent with spiritual teachings on all sides of the argument.
We are encouraged by Cardinal George Pell’s statements in which he welcomes the royal commission and offers full compliance and cooperation on behalf of the Catholic Church in Australia. However we caution him on restraint particularly when making comments that appear to attempt to diminish the responsibility of the Church in fear for a media campaign against his Church.
Specifically it matters not that the Catholic Church “is not the only cab on the rank” (2012, George Pell); what matters is that victims and their families have an unbreakable birth right to be treated with sanctity and venerated with love and compassion. The central teachings of all major religious movements. Any actions which lead to these ideals can and should be undertaken. Any actions which lead to their converse realities should be made public and repatriation conferred.
For the abusers and any other person(s) to whom perpetrator can be titled: we offer you our prayers of courage, prayers of love and prayers of forgiveness. May you find the courage within yourself to break free from your prison of guilt. May you search within yourself and find that divine spark from Deity to which you were created; honour it and in doing so recognise the errors of your ways. No longer do you need to run and hide from your past. No longer should you deny that which is true. For within you is the wisdom of Deity; let her be your guide and let her be your strength. We ask that you take the first steps forward – come out of the darkness, step into the light. Accept your actions as your own. They are yours and no one else’s. When you let go of the fear and embrace the light of truth only then will your soul and conscious be free.
To all the victims and your families; we offer you our prayers of compassion empathy, love and healing. Though the road ahead of you may be daunting, and although it may seem hard; know that you are not alone and never have been. For within you all things are possible, your dreams and plans will come into fruition. To realise your true potential begin to let go of guilt and shame. For these are not yours to own. You no longer need wear them as badges. There has never been any actions, thoughts or feelings you could have made or ever will make which make it right for anyone to take from you that which is holy – your innocence, your dignity and your freedom. From the day you were born you were loved; for you were made from love. Let the healing begin.
Lord Caladai AHP
First Priest
TelÉnnyn Asur Tradition of Wicca