Witnesses for faith-based institutions will continue giving evidence before the Abuse in Care of Inquiry today on their processes for resolving historic and current abuse claims.

The faith-based institution witnesses - which include representatives from the highest levels within New Zealand’s Salvation Army, and Anglican and Catholic Churches - will be responding to survivors’ evidence and outlining past and current Redress policies and processes. 

Commissioners will hear from two witnesses today.

Wednesday 17th March

10.00am

Murray Houston (continued)

Murray Houston is the Commercial Manager for The Salvation Army and the Manager of the Royal Commission Response. Mr Houston has been employed by The Salvation Army since 1999. He is a “lay” or “civilian” employee and is not affiliated with The Salvation Army congregation. Since 2000, Mr Houston has had primary responsibility within The Salvation Army for dealing with claims and the redress process. In his evidence, he provides a summary of claims made to The Salvation Army and an overview to the approach of these claims prior to, and post 2003, when there was an increase in claims. His evidence explains the process in place for responding to claims since 2003. In his supplementary statement, Mr Houston responds to some of the evidence given by survivors in Phase 1 of the Faith-based hearing.

11.45am (approx.)

Opening statements – The Anglican Church and relevant Core Participants

1.00pm (approx.)

Bishop Bay

The Rt Reverend Ross Bay has been the Bishop of Auckland since 2010 having been ordained as a priest in 1989. In his evidence Bishop Ross apologises to survivors. His evidence sets out the history of the Diocese of Auckland, the processes for dealing with complaints and claims of abuse and the relationship between the Diocese and various schools and trust boards.  Bishop Ross also addresses estimated claims and outcomes from Church processes.

The hearing is being live-streamed here.

Hearing location: Level 2, 414 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 (entrance from Kingdon st).

Media enquiries: 027 298 2094; media@abuseincare.org.nz

About the Abuse in Care Inquiry

The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry is investigating the abuse and neglect that happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 and 1999. It will also consider experiences of abuse or neglect before outside these dates. After completing its investigations, it will make recommendations to the Governor General on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.