Michael McKenna; 15/12/09
It was a mass that celebrated a sinner. Hundreds of parents, students and fellow staff at the Toowoomba primary school gathered to pay tribute to the veteran educator and “child protection officer” after more than 40 years of serving the Catholic Church. The well-liked and genial 60-year-old year 4 teacher had stunned the small devoted community with his sudden and unexplained resignation during the 2008 mid-year holidays. The principal wished the teacher well in the school newsletter ahead of the send-off – replete with gifts and glowing testimonials – worthy of an educator who, himself, had risen to head several schools, only to shun administration for the joys of the classroom. But as the principal shepherded students into the school’s historic church, he was placing at its altar a secret that, for too long, has darkened the church.
See: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/betrayal-of-trust/story-e6frg6z6-1225810365048; http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/church-vows-to-upgrade-protection-protocols/story-e6frg6z6-1225810365298
Tags: Australia, Christianity, Pedophilia