CATH NEWS REPORT: Bishop Michael Malone has announced that an independent investigation by the Church has cleared the way for Father Peter Brock to return to ministry, according to a press statement.
In 2009, allegations of abuse against Fr Brock were dropped by the Newcastle Local Court. He has always maintained his innocence to the allegations, made in September 2007.
When the charges were later dropped in 2009, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle was obliged to conduct its own probe of the matter as "the allegations were serious and demanded a thorough impartial investigation". It concluded in October this year, said Bishop Malone.
"On advice from my Child Protection Officer and others, there is no barrier to Fr Peter's return toministry.
"After more than three years of anxious waiting Fr Peter is understandably bruised by his experience. He and I are grateful to his family and friends for their loving support of him duringwhat has been a traumatic experience.
"By his own choice, Fr Peter will ease back into ministry in a quiet way. He is free to celebrateMass. Initially, he will focus his considerable talents on ministry to adults and supporting ourclergy.
"Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers. I am disappointed at the time it hastaken to arrive at this result." http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=24216
In 2009, allegations of abuse against Fr Brock were dropped by the Newcastle Local Court. He has always maintained his innocence to the allegations, made in September 2007.
When the charges were later dropped in 2009, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle was obliged to conduct its own probe of the matter as "the allegations were serious and demanded a thorough impartial investigation". It concluded in October this year, said Bishop Malone.
"On advice from my Child Protection Officer and others, there is no barrier to Fr Peter's return toministry.
"After more than three years of anxious waiting Fr Peter is understandably bruised by his experience. He and I are grateful to his family and friends for their loving support of him duringwhat has been a traumatic experience.
"By his own choice, Fr Peter will ease back into ministry in a quiet way. He is free to celebrateMass. Initially, he will focus his considerable talents on ministry to adults and supporting ourclergy.
"Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers. I am disappointed at the time it hastaken to arrive at this result." http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=24216
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