The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith Based Care

E Ihowā, tohungia mātou,

E Te Karaiti, tohungia mātao,

E Ihowā, tohungia mātaou,

Lord, have mercy,

Christ, have mercy,

Lord, have mercy,

E te whānau a Te Karaiti, tēnā tātau

The Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care has released its report, which highlights abuse that occurred in Anglian communities in Aotearoa New Zealand between 1950 - 1999.

Please hold the survivors of abuse in your hearts and prayers - some of who participated in the Inquiry, courageously sharing traumatic experiences for justice and change.

Our Archbishops Don Tamihere, Justin Duckworth and Sione Ulu’ilakepa have asked that we share this statement within each of our churches across Aotearoa New Zealand:

‘We acknowledge and take full responsibility for our failures to provide the safe, caring and nurturing environment those who have been in our care had a right to expect and receive.

We the Archbishops of the church express profound grief for the survivors, extending our acknowledgement to you all with a repentant heart. Our prayer is for God to bestow God’s comforting spirit upon each of you the survivors and to guide us who have caused great pain and committed wrong towards the path of justice and reconcilliation.

Our apology at the Royal Commission to survivors of abuse was heartfelt and genuine and we can only stand in awe of their courage and endurance. We owe it to survivors to ensure that this Report is a catalyst for great change. It is crucial that the whole Church takes direction and advice on this.

We know that we still have a long way to go. We call on all who identify as Anglican; whether churches, schools or agencies to study this Report’s recommendations and to commit themselves to the principles and practices that ensure the highest standards of care.”

Anyone who is a survivor of historic abuse in the Anglican Church who wish to engage with the Church about that abuse are encouraged to email: contact@anglicanredress.nz

Anyone wishing to make a current complaint can contact the Ministry Standards Commission registrar by emailing: registrar@ministrystandards.org

Merciful God, we come to you in sorrow.

We would not hear, we did not believe,

Our silence condemned the innocent and the powerless.

Lord, strengthen and empower the survivors now,

and align our hearts with your justice.

God, hear our prayer. Amen.