New Zealand’s Dark Secret: Anglican Church Takes Responsibility for Failing to Protect 200,000 Abuse Victims
A shocking six-year public inquiry has revealed that around 200,000 people were abused in religious and state care in New Zealand, with the Anglican Church taking full responsibility for its failures to provide a safe environment. The inquiry, which gathered nearly 3000 testimonies, found that nearly one in three children and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 to 2019 experienced some form of abuse, including rape, sterilization, and electric shocks. The report condemned state agencies and churches for failing to prevent, stop, or admit the abuse, even when they knew about it.
The Anglican Church in New Zealand has acknowledged its role in the abuse, stating that it takes full responsibility for its failures. The Catholic Church in New Zealand has also issued a statement, saying it is carefully reviewing the report and will ensure action follows. The inquiry’s report has made 138 recommendations, including public apologies from the government, the Pope, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. It has also called for the establishment of a Care Safe Agency to oversee the industry and new legislation, including mandatory reporting of suspected abuse.
The New Zealand government is facing potential billions of dollars in fresh compensation claims, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologizing and promising reforms. An official apology will follow on November 12. The report has highlighted the vulnerability of Indigenous Maori community members and those with mental or physical disabilities to abuse. Civil and faith leaders have been criticized for covering up abuse by moving abusers to other locations and denying culpability, resulting in many victims dying before seeing justice.
