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Direct from the TC: Royal Commission March hearing announcement

13 March 2014

Dear friends,

I want to share with you the news that the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will be holding a second public hearing into The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory commencing 24th of March 2014.

This hearing will investigate matters relating to:

  • Claims handling
  • Child protection
  • Offender disciplinary policies

The hearing will also consider the way we provide restorative justice and assistance to people who report past abuse.

I understand that people may be distressed to know The Salvation Army still has questions to answer. Please join with me in prayer that this hearing will help us in our mission to repent from any past failings so that harm may never again befall those in our care.

Your prayers of support for those assisting our response to the Royal Commission including Major Peter Farthing, Royal Commission Response Coordinator, members of the Professional Standards Office team, and Major Bruce Harmer, Territorial Communications and Public Relations Secretary, are greatly appreciated.

Major Peter Farthing and I will again be acting as spokespeople for the Army at this hearing. Please pray that God will continue to guide us as we seek to represent the Army in a way that honours the work you do every day.

As the Royal Commission does its work, people may speak with you about The Salvation Army’s response to child sexual abuse. Please listen respectfully. It is wise not to try to defend ourselves, or to minimise the wrongs done. Here are some key messages:

  1. The Salvation Army openly admits to serious past failures, and apologises to all who were harmed.
  2. The Salvation Army today is responding to allegations of past abuse with compassion and honesty.
  3. The Salvation Army does not make payments to survivors of abuse from donated funds such as the Red Shield Appeal.
  4. The Salvation Army encourages any person who was abused in any way to contact our Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22.
  5. Today’s Salvation Army has strong policies in place to protect children and it ensures those policies reflect that the protection of children is of the most serious of our obligations.

Please pray as we approach the hearing. Above all pray that we will act justly and compassionately towards all who have been wronged. Pray that we will speak the truth about all matters and all people, being fair to all.

James Condon
Territorial Commander
The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory

The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.