Former Prime Minster Julia Gillard has drawn attention to the inexplicable finding by the High Court that priests are not employed by the Catholic Church (“Gillard urges states to act after ‘deeply concerning’ ruling that Catholic Church is not liable in abuse case”, November 17). Just as disturbing is the church’s dogged resistance to making adequate financial restitution to victims of its “non-employed” clergy. Its latest appeal to the High Court is disturbing and heartbreaking to committed Catholics like me. Financial compensation for the abuse of children will never erase the unspeakable suffering inflicted by paedophile priests. Hiding behind a legal definition of employment to escape financial restitution is morally reprehensible. “Suffer the little children” indeed. Gerardine Grace, Leura
Former prime minister Julia Gillard comforts a survivor after establishing the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2012.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Time and again it would seem that people are able to use the law to avoid their moral and rightful obligations. Priests may not technically be employees of the church, but surely the church has some responsibility for their actions – particularly as it controls who can have certain roles in that organisation and ensures they are remunerated. So much for the law having a moral foundation. David Rush, Lawson