Engaging with the Royal Commission

An extract from a sermon at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, 17 December 2017.

Our opening hymn this morning began with the line: “Hark! A herald voice is calling.”

Indeed, a herald voice is calling.

It is the voice of the Royal Commission.

It is a prophetic voice that names and exposes the sins of our churches, along with other institutions in our national life.

It is a prophetic voice that speaks words of comfort to the victims. That honours the victims. That treats them with a level of care and respect that our church has failed to do.

It is a prophetic voice that speaks of restitution, vindication and compensation.

It is a prophetic voice that calls on churches to change their ways. No more averting our gaze. No more shifting of sexual predators from one parish to another. No more silencing of the victims. No more failure of compassion among the disciples of Jesus.

It is a prophetic voice that maps out a pathway for restoration and recovery.

It is a prophetic voice that promises renewal if we are prepared to make these changes.

The full text of the sermon is available online.