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. 

Today’s witnesses are outlined below.

Monday 22nd March

10.00am

Archbishop Richardson (supported by Archbishop Tamihere) (Continued evidence from Friday)

The Most Reverend Philip Richardson has been a bishop since 1999 and since 2008 has been a Bishop of the Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki.  Since 2013 he has been the Archbishop of New Zealand and one of the primates of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia/Te Hahi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tireni, ki Nga Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa.  In his evidence Archbishop Philip outlines the history and unique three-tikanga structure of the Anglican Church.  He discusses in detail the disciplinary processes of the Church over time, some of the issues the Church confronts when it comes to redress and the nature of ordination and liability.  He also discusses some of the individual cases.

2.00pm (approx.)

Archbishop Tamihere, Archbishop Fereimi Cama and Archbishop Richardson (the Primates)

The Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia/Te Hahi Mihinare ki Aotearoa ki Niu Tireni, ki Nga Moutere o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa has a joint primacy shared between the three tikanga of the Church (Māori, Pasifika and Pakeha).  In this statement, the Primates offer an apology from the Church to those abused while in the care of the Church and its affiliated institutions, provide an update on recent changes to disciplinary canons, provide a contribution on matters of tikanga and recommit to assist the Commission in its work.

3.30pm (approx.)

Opening Statement – Catholic Church and any relevant Core Participants                       

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.