German Jesuit priest and globally recognised safeguarding expert Fr Hans Zollner delivered a powerful address at Holy Spirit Seminary in Banyo, urging the Church to embed safeguarding as an integral part of its mission.
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Speaking to clergy, religious leaders, safeguarding officers, parishioners, and church workers, Fr Zollner acknowledged the progress made in tackling sexual abuse within the Church while emphasising the need for continuous efforts.
During his talk, Fr Zollner, a founding member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, reflected on how the landscape had shifted since his last visit to Brisbane in 2017. At the time, the Australian Church was grappling with the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Now, while significant steps have been taken—particularly in Australia, which he described as being at the forefront of global safeguarding efforts—he stressed that more must be done to address past failures and prevent future harm.
At the heart of his message was the need to shift perspectives on safeguarding. Rather than viewing it as merely a legal or administrative obligation, he urged the Church to embrace it as a proactive and hopeful mission.
He likened this shift to the Church’s response to ecological issues under Pope Francis, who championed environmental responsibility in his encyclical Laudato Si’. Just as environmental awareness has become deeply embedded in Catholic life, Fr Zollner believes safeguarding should become a natural and fundamental aspect of Church culture.
He rejected simplistic explanations for the abuse crisis, such as blaming celibacy or homosexuality, and instead called for a deeper understanding of the structural and cultural factors that enabled abuse. “Listening to survivors is crucial,” he said, in shaping effective safeguarding measures.
His message resonated strongly with those in attendance. Anne-Marie Williams, a Brisbane Catholic working in pastoral care with Mercy Community, described his speech as refreshing but also a sobering reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
“It is devastating to know firsthand that these stories are not rare – and that a lot of the abuse crisis stems from repeated patterns and failure to respond appropriately and quickly,” she said. Williams emphasised that safeguarding should not be a “box-ticking habit” but a lived reality in every aspect of Church work.
Brisbane Archdiocese’s Safeguarding Office director, Mark Eustance, echoed Fr Zollner’s call for safeguarding to be fully integrated into the Church’s mission. He acknowledged that while great strides had been made, including the results of a recent external parish safeguarding audit, there is still a need for continued commitment, especially with the upcoming Queensland Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme set to take effect in late 2024.
Ipswich community priest Fr Minje Kim was also moved by Fr Zollner’s insights, particularly on the challenge of fostering a sense of togetherness while ensuring appropriate boundaries for victims and survivors. He recognised that many survivors may never feel comfortable returning to Church spaces, making it essential for the Church to find meaningful ways to accompany them on their healing journey.
Fr Zollner’s visit to Banyo was part of a broader speaking tour across Australia, with upcoming engagements in Sydney and Melbourne. His call for safeguarding to be seen as a source of hope, rather than just a means of avoiding harm, continues to inspire reflection and action within the Church.
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His final message was clear: safeguarding is not just a responsibility but a moral commitment that must be woven into the fabric of the Church’s identity. By fostering safe spaces, building trust, and prioritising the dignity of every individual, the Church can work towards lasting change.
Published 12-February-2025
