Archbishop sues newspaper
10/10/08
Perth’s Catholic Archbishop Barry Hickey has issued a defamation writ against the West Australian newspaper for being labelled a hypocrite over his stance on women. An article and cartoon on October 2 referred to University of WA philosophy professor Michael Levine’s view that a television message currently being aired by the church was misleading and manipulative. In the ad Archbishop Hickey asks for women’s rights to be acknowledged. Professor Levine told the paper the Catholic Church had failed to show leadership because it did not allow women to become bishops or acknowledge same-sex marriages.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24477682-26103,00.html
Bethel closes, Hickey apologises
10/7/08
The Bethel Community have decided to close following allegations against their leader and Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey has apologised for not doing more earlier. The West Australian reports the controversial Catholic community will close down in the wake of an apology by Perth’s Archbishop over his handling of allegations against it, some involving sexual impropriety. “We deeply regret that the original genuine Christian mission of the community has been subverted by certain actions and activities that the remaining members of the community find totally unacceptable and do not condone,” Bethel interim chairman Rob Crothers said on its website.
See: http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=8074; http://www.catholica.com.au/breakingnews/015_bn_020508.php
Tags: Australia, Christianity, Sex Trade