Australian Bishops to hold
plenary by video conference amid pandemic
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| A handful of tourists stand atop the mostly deserted steps of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney (REUTERS) |
With much of the world remote working due to the coronavirus
pandemic the Australian Bishops Conference are heading in their plenary this
week with the aid of video technology.
By Vatican News
For the first time in their history Australian Bishops will
not be together in person during their plenary gathering, which runs from the 7
to 14 May.
Instead they will be joining their fellow Australians and
millions of people around the world who have been continuing their work from
home with the aid of video conferencing
Like all Australians, said Conference President, Archbishop Mark
Coleridge, “we are having to adapt to the current realities.”
Covid-19 under the spotlight
The Covid-19 pandemic is set to be high on the Bishops’
agenda.
The Archbishop noted that “there is a great desire in all
parts of the Church to resume public worship, and we will consider how and when
that might happen.”
Over the course of the meeting the Bishops will be looking
at how the Church can support families, individuals and communities that have
been seriously affected by the pandemic.
Archbishop Coleridge pointed out that work has already
commenced to help people through the Church’s educational, social service and
pastoral care networks. But he acknowledged “the recovery will be long.”
Safeguarding in the Church
Another key theme of the plenary meeting will be to discuss
a more collaborative approach to safeguarding and the handling of sexual abuse
complaints and other misconduct.
“We’ve made good progress in devising even more robust
structures and practices to respond to allegations and to create and maintain
Church environments that are safe for children and vulnerable adults,” the
Archbishop said.
“This is a whole-of-Church approach, and it’s one that has
been developed with input from a wide range of people, including survivors and
their supporters.”
Over the course of the week-long meeting, the bishops will
also consider the final report of a national review of the governance of
dioceses and parishes.
Archbishop Coleridge said that while social distancing and
the “vagaries” of technology will be something of a challenge, the bond of
faith and mission that unites the bishops will remain strong.
“The rhythm of daily Mass and prayer several times
each day – albeit in our own locations – will continue, and that will keep the
focus on the Risen Jesus in our midst,” he said.
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