Sexual abuse is not limited to Catholic Church

WITH great concern I read about the accusations of child abuse within the Catholic Church (ODT, 24.8.18)

If proven accurate, these are shocking and need to be dealt with and the perpetrators brought to justice.

In defence of the Catholic Church, I would like to state that I enjoyed nine wonderful years of education under the guidance of the Dunedin Christian Brothers in the 1950s with no issues of the sort as reported.

I am sure I speak for many of my peers and some from overlapping generations when I say we thought they were great and held them in the highest regard.

It should also be noted that atrocities of the sort referred to have been reported in many other organisations and groups such as sports coaching, gymnast coaching. A recent release from the New Zealand Teachers Council has also tabled many instances in the state education sector. Colin Campbell

Auckland

IT is not just the Catholic Church that is urging the Government to extend the terms of inquiry for the Commission on Sexual Abuse.

Many other churches and indeed many individuals see the need. For those that are excluded at present, any outcome will take even longer. Justice delayed is justice denied.

J. Park

Wakari

Irony in Oamaru

IRONY is still alive in Oamaru.

Tourism Waitaki is currently advertising a workshop on running ‘‘Great Events in Waitaki’’.

Unfortunately, the poster promoting this workshop includes a photo of the ‘‘Fire and Steam’’ celebrations. This event had to be rescued this year by a group of volunteers, due to inadequate management by Tourism Waitaki.

Remember the old adage — ‘‘Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach.’’ N. Wilson

Oamaru ...................................

BIBLE READING: Fight the good fight of the faith. — 1 Timothy 6:12.