UPDATE: The ABC reports “In a statement released on Friday, Dr Hollingworth said he had returned his permission to officiate, “commonly granted to retired priests, allowing me to conduct services at my local parish as well as marriage, funerals and baptisms”.
Melbourne Anglicans upset at their Professional Standards Board for not removing former Governor-General Peter Hollingworth from ministry – have started a petition asking their archbishop to remove his “permission to officiate” in the diocese. Anglican ministers require a license from their bishop or archbishop to operate as ministers in an Anglican diocese (region).
Formally addressed to “Petition to “Most Reverend Philip Freier
Archbishop of Melbourne”
The petition reads, “We, the undersigned, write to express our dismay at the outcome of the Professional Standards Board in relation to Bishop Peter Hollingworth and his continued permission to officiate in this diocese.
“Our heart goes out to survivors and the pain they are yet again experiencing as a result of this decision. Given the evidence and his admissions that are in the public domain, we believe his position in the Diocese of Melbourne is untenable. The public outrage is understandable and tragically reinforces a perception that the church does not take these matters seriously.
“It is hard to see how the recommendations of the Board are consistent with the protocols and procedures that you have put in place in your time as Archbishop. If our current legislation has tied their hands, then we should review and revise the legislation.
“We urge you to exercise your authority to revoke Peter Hollingworth’s permission to officiate. This authority is yours, and yours alone, and does not require a decision of the Board. For the sake of survivors of abuse and the integrity of the Diocesan professional standards framework we urge you to act.”
The petition follows in the wake of the Primate (titular leader) of Australia’s Anglicans, Archbishop Geoffrey Smith of Adelaide, telling the ABC’s Australian Story: “I would say on the basis of all that I’m aware of, it would be a good thing to step back and resign his orders. I think that would be a reasonable thing. For the good of the people who’ve been impacted, for the good of the reputation of the church, even though that’s very much secondary.”
The petition is available here.
Hollingworth resigned as Governor General when his remarks about survivor/victim Beth Heinrich, on an earlier Australian Story, implied that she was responsible for Donald Shearman, then a priest, later promoted to bishop, abuse of her as a 14-year-old.
Other cases involving Hollingworth came to public attention, including the case of Brisbane priest John Elliot, who Hollingworth maintained in office despite knowing he was an incurable pedophile\according to the expert advice Hollingworth had been given.
Hollingworth staying in office contrasts with the Archbishop Roger Herft case, where his failure to act while Bishop of Newcastle resulted in his defrocking.
Image: Peter Hollingworth, screenshot from Australian Story 2023
An earlier version of the headline read “defrock hollingworth” which was inaccurate – the petition calls for a withdrawal of his license.the Other cheek apologises for confusion caused by our headline.
With an invitation like I am amazed anyone signed up. Great reflection John. That fundraising event Mrs Slope went to was organised by Anglican Aid or Aduk at Kellyville Anglican?
At Kellyville Anglican, with Aduk Dau as the organising spirit behind it to raise funds for the Anglican Aid project “Lost Children of Jonglei” scholarships. It provides education for children stranded in refugee camps.
Do note, the petition is not calling for the defrocking of Hollingworth, as the title claims. It is simply calling for the Archbishop of Melbourne to revoke his permission to officiate.