Anglican Archbishop Apologizes to Sexual Abuse Victim for Church’s Failure to Act

Archbishop Jeremy Greaves of Brisbane has issued an apology to Beth Heinrich, a victim of child sexual abuse by Reverend Donald Shearman in the 1950s. The apology addresses the church’s failure to act both during the abuse and when Heinrich sought help years later. It also acknowledges the impact of former Archbishop Peter Hollingworth’s public comments about her case.

The Anglican Church’s response to the abuse and subsequent attempts by Heinrich to seek justice was marked by a lack of compassion and accountability, according to Greaves. He stated that senior leaders, including Hollingworth, failed to address the situation properly, which exacerbated Heinrich’s suffering.

Beth Heinrich, now 86, was sexually abused by Shearman, a married priest, while she was a 15-year-old schoolgirl in country Victoria. In 1995, she approached Hollingworth, then Archbishop of Brisbane, for assistance in removing Shearman from the clergy. Despite Shearman admitting to the abuse during mediation, Hollingworth denied her request.

In 2002, Hollingworth faced scrutiny during an ABC interview where he suggested Heinrich had instigated the relationship with Shearman. This comment drew criticism and contributed to his resignation as Governor-General in 2003. A 2023 Anglican Church inquiry found Hollingworth had committed misconduct by allowing abusive priests to continue their work while he was Archbishop.

The apology from Greaves marks a significant step in addressing past failures and acknowledging the harm caused to individuals like Heinrich. It reflects the church’s ongoing efforts to confront historical wrongs and provide accountability. The situation underscores the importance of justice and compassion in addressing abuse, as highlighted in Micah 6:8, which calls for doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

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