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Statement by Dr George Pell regarding certain allegationsStatement regarding certain allegations made about my conduct as a seminarian. By + Cardinal George Pell The allegations against me are lies and I deny them totally and utterly. The alleged events never happened. I repeat, emphatically, that the allegations are false. An independent inquiry to investigate these allegations has been set up by Archbishop Philip Wilson, Acting Co-Chairman of the National Committee for Professional Standards, which supervises the Church's "Towards Healing" protocols. The inquiry will be conducted, I understand, by a retired Victorian Supreme Court judge. I will, of course, co-operate with this independent inquiry in every way possible - frankly, openly, and unreservedly. For the good of the Church and to preserve the dignity of the office of Archbishop, I will take leave from today as Archbishop of Sydney until the inquiry is completed. I repeat that the allegations are lies and that I am determined to refute them. I welcome the inquiry and a chance to clear my name, recognising that I am not above civil and Church law. I have taken a leading role in condemning and exposing sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in Australia. Six years ago in Melbourne I set up Australia's first Independent Commission to inquire into sexual abuse by members of the Catholic clergy. To allege that I am now personally implicated in this evil is a smear of the most vindictive kind. I truly wish I could say more right now. However, it is important that I do not say anything that could be seen to prejudice the inquiry. Therefore, I am unable to make further comment. |
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