Letter concerning the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care from Catholic Bishops of Aotearoa and representation from Catholic religious orders

Sent by email:  1:33pm 26 March 2018

Tēnā koutou Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Hon Tracey Martin, and Sir Anand Satyanand,

We are writing to you to offer our full support for the work of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care.

Like others, we are deeply disturbed when we learn of historical or current abuse that has occurred in institutions, including any run by Churches. The draft terms of reference of the inquiry make clear the recognition that historical abuse must be examined, understood, acknowledged and addressed. Our views fully concur with this approach and we agree too that this is the way to learn lessons for today and the future, and continue to work towards healing.

Some think that Churches, and other groups and agencies, will be somehow left out of the Inquiry. The draft terms of references do indicate that the Inquiry will include people whom the State directed to a wide range of Institutions including those run by Church groups.  

Notwithstanding this, we are of the firm view that no individual should be denied the possibility of making a submission to this Government inquiry. It would be wrong if some individuals felt excluded from this process simply because their path of referral to an institution was different from someone else’s. Therefore we are calling for a broadening of the Inquiry’s terms of reference. Similarly, we are of the view that when the Commission’s work turns to the Institutions themselves, included among them should be a range of Church institutions. In this way we too will be active contributors and learners within the Royal Commission of Inquiry.   

We assure you once again of our support and our desire to learn from this national undertaking which we are confident will contribute positively to the strengthening and safeguarding of our whānau, communities and society.

Ngā mihi o tēnei wā.

Nā mātou. Nā