Oblate News

RESPONDING TO COMMENTS FOLLOWING THE OBLATE STATEMENT REPORTED IN MEDIA

by Ray Warren, Oblate Provincial

Responding to comments following the recently published Oblate Statement regarding the moral challenge posed to religious about the costs of Redress.

My thanks to all who have commented on the Oblate statement the moral challenge posed to religious about the costs of Redress.

Some welcomed this as a statement of the factual background to the Commission, the Redress Board, and role of the Government and the detailed chronology of how the religious became involved with the Government in the process.

Others were angry at what they perceived as our insensitivity to the harm done to those who experienced as children the reformatory and industrial schools system, and at our apparent lack of remorse.

The purpose of the statement was primarily a response to correct a relentless stream of misinformation coming from some politicians and reported in the media.

The statement does acknowledge the moral claims of the victims of the system and our moral duty in the light of the Ryan Report findings.

I am aware how inadequate financial contributions are to make up for the harm suffered by the victims but at the same time they are important. In the light of the Ryan Report findings, the Oblates – as many of you will know, apologised at that time and subsequently for our shortcomings. Many are asking how the Oblates responded at the time to Ryan and to Redress. Details can be found on our archives link.

The statement was long and detailed and I appreciate the interest shown.

Ray Warren,omi

Provincial

ARCHIVE LINKS

Previous statements made by the Oblates in response to the Ryan Report and Redress Fund:

Introduction

Oblates welcome publication of Report of Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and apologise

Oblates welcome government decision to establish a Trust for former residents of institutions dealt with in the Ryan Report

Oblates warn that proposed Trust for former residents excludes most needy