News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Malcolm-Turnbull-main_article_image.jpg
Wikimedia Commons
World News

Australia Prime Minister says Pope should sack archbishop over cover-up

by Eno Adeogun

Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson, 67, was sentenced in an Australian court to 12 months in detention after concealing the sexual abuse of two altar boys by a paedophile priest in the 1970s.

Leader Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in Sydney: "He should have resigned and the time has come for the pope to sack him,

 

"There are many leaders that have called on him to resign, it's clear that he should resign and I think the time has come now for the ultimate authority in the church to take action and sack him," he added.

Wilson - who denied his charge throughout his trial has said he will appeal the charges, said he would only offer his resignation to Poe Francis if his appeal failed in the New South Wales state District Court.

"I am conscious of calls for me to resign and have taken them very seriously," Wilson said in a statement earlier this month. 

Darren Pateman/AAP Image via AP
Australian Archbishop Philip Wilson arrives for sentencing at Newcastle Local Court in Newcastle, Tuesday, July 3, 2018.

"However, at this time, I am entitled to exercise my legal rights and to follow the due process of law. Since that process is not yet complete, I do not intend to resign at this time," he added.

Mr Turnbull insisted Wilson shouldn't be allowed to remain in post while appealing his conviction.

Earlier this month, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said only the Pope had the authority to compel Wilson to resign.

Brisbane's Archbishop Mark Coleridge said in a statement that some bishops had "offered their advice privately".

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate