Parishioners urged to learn from ‘Spotlight’

Two bishops have encouraged Catholics to see the film Spotlight about the journalistic investigation that uncovered the clerical sex abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Boston, writes Mark Brolly.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth and Bishop Peter Ingham of Wollongong said they hoped the experience would reinforce Australian Catholics’ determination to make parishes safe for children and young people.

“It is an opportunity for all of us in the Church to acknowledge the extent to which some of our brothers and sisters, including our leaders, have failed so badly, also here in Australia, to be the signs and bearers of God’s love and compassion they were expected, and appointed, to be,” said Archbishop Costelloe.

Bishop Ingham hoped the film would promote dialogue in the Church, families and wider society about the protection of children.