The Catholic archdiocese of Sydney has been criticised over ads running in its official publication soliciting donations to help with the legal fees of Cardinal George Pell, set to face trial on charges of historical sexual offences.
The ads have run in the Catholic Weekly, which also ran an article promoting the fund. The article claims there is 'widespread support' for the cardinal after his recent court appearance and says that while the archdiocese 'assists with some living expenses and accommodation, as it would for any of its bishops or priests, it is not responsible for the Cardinal's legal bills arising from these matters'. It also says the archdiocese did not establish or manage the fund.
However, a lawyer representing victims of sexual abuse, Dr Judy Courtin, questioned the involvement of the archdiocese. She told the Guardian: 'Pell, and other defendants with adequate financial backing, can not only afford the star-studded cast that is Pell's legal team, but it is every defendant's legal right to do so. But what of the victims of crime and their role in the criminal trial process? Are their justice needs being met?
'Churches should be putting more pressure on the government to reform laws to give victims equal access to the courts and to set aside profoundly unjust deeds of release. Victims are still having shocking trouble getting justice because they received a meagre settlement in the past and signed away their future rights in a deed of release.'
A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Sydney told Guardian Australia: 'The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney stands by its statement to the royal commission to address child sexual abuse, but it also recognises the rights of the accused, any accused person, to defend themselves.'
She continued: 'Like any other citizen, Cardinal Pell is entitled to the presumption of innocence, he has pleaded not guilty and is also entitled to appoint the defence he wants.'
Pell, a senior Vatican official before he stepped aside in the wake of allegations against him, has denied all the charges against him. He is the highest-ranking cleric ever to face trial over historical sexual offences.
