The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland is in crisis mode. Compensation fund for victims of child sexual abuse, leaving it teetering on the edge of financial insolvency. Bishop Keith Joseph of Queensland, a small regional diocese, has long sounded the alarm bells on the financial redress burden imposed on small dioceses like his. Add to that the unique challenges he faces with over a third of Queensland in his jurisdiction, the pressure only multiplies.
In a statement earlier this week, Bishop Joseph called attention to the alarming nature of the crisis. He noted that the diocese has been facing financial turmoil for decades. He sounded the alarm on how these liabilities would upend the church’s day-to-day operations. They would surely obstruct its mission to make the region retire its last coal mine. The diocese is moving in some audacious ways to address its fiscal crisis. It’s already sold its bishop’s residence and diocesan office.
The challenges are further complicated by a corporate structure in which no easy path to liquidation or administration exists. Bishop Joseph stated, “Our corporate structure doesn’t allow for liquidation or administration. Without a restructure, we risk legal limbo.” The legal complexity makes it difficult for the diocese to address claims for compensation. At the same time, it needs to maintain its charitable mission and reinvest in serving the community.
A Region in Need
The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland is not just large in size but unique in its diversity. The Torres Strait ministry units’ contributions are equally pivotal. Take, for example, Reverend Jeffery Akaoi of All Saints Anglican Church on Erub (Darnley) Island, who has been a leading advocate for his communities. In 2022, Reverend Akaoi migrated from the Pacific Islands to become the minister of the Whitsunday parish. Since then, he has dedicated every moment to establishing deep networks, relationships and trusts within the Australian South Sea Islander communities.
Reverend Akaoi visits Bowen and Ayr monthly to hold services. In addition to this work, he serves the workers who are part of the Australian government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. His commitment is illustrative of the diocese’s larger mission, to offer pastoral care and aid to a community in financial distress, often faced with uplifting burdens.
Bishop Joseph highlighted the importance of these community services, stating, “We want to acknowledge the harm done while upholding our moral and legal responsibilities.” The diocese has long supported the funding of South Pacific missions and local churches, nursing homes and youth centers since 2005. All of this progress could be put at risk if economic insecurity persists.
Legal and Ethical Challenges
The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland is still subject to these archaic colonial laws from 1861. This reliance hinders its ability to address the most pressing financial challenges of our time in a meaningful way. Professor Reid Mortensen, a law professor at the University of Southern Queensland, pointed out that money or property given to the church’s charitable trusts does not belong to the diocese itself. This local legal framework poses challenges in raising the funds needed for landowner compensation.
Bishop Joseph noted that all the allegations against the diocese are from over 25 years ago. This means that innumerable victims could have been suffering in silence for 30 or more years. He explained, “There’s grief for what’s been done. There’s sadness for what might be lost,” underscoring the emotional toll on both victims and church members alike.
He remained resolute in his commitment to addressing these issues directly: “This is about integrity. If we say we believe in justice, we have to act like it.” It’s evident that Bishop Joseph is just as resolute as we are to keep the victims’ memories alive. He intends to pursue relief all the way up to the Supreme Court. “We want to honour the victims and we need to go to the Supreme Court to get it resolved,” he stated.
Future Implications
The Anglican Diocese of North Queensland is under enormous financial strain. These challenges, combined with ethical obligations to improve the situation, make its future more doubtful by the day. Bishop Joseph acknowledged that they are perhaps the first regional dioceses to go public with and address a significant financial crisis. He added that other dioceses may be in the same boat, but they may be constrained by other legal limitations.
Bishop Joseph was clear that there is no national pot of money just sitting around. Last but not least, he spoke of the chilling isolation that small dioceses face when dealing with child abuse claims. Yet he isn’t just addressing these concerns to get his fiscal house in order. He also wants to leave an enduring legacy of accountability and healing for victims.
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