Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Showing support for our Aussie cardinal

By Laura Bradley - posted Wednesday, 13 March 2013


I am surprised at the Australian secular media response to the papal conclave and the lack of support the secular media shows for a fellow Australian Cardinal Pell as he takes part in this historic event.

Cardinal Pell's rough treatment by the media is not new. From the moment he was appointed Archbishop of Melbourne, some news media made clear their dislike of his appointment. Whenever the opportunity arises it seems Pell is taken out of context or unflatteringly portrayed. This is a real shame. I also find it surprising because if an Australian was competing in a global event such as the Olympics would we not cheer them on?

Instead the media has taken a different approach during the papal conclave, drudging up old accusations of abuse which have been long since dismissed by an independent inquiry.

Advertisement

On the Wikipedia page for Cardinal Pell it is evident that a battle of censorship is taking place, a link to an article from the website Zenit which gives a detailed analysis to the accusations of sexual abuse against Cardinal Pell has been continually removed from Wikipedia. The reason given for its removal was that it was a "biased source", (read it is a Catholic source that gives a well documented, and reasoned response to accusations against Cardinal Pell.) You can read the article here.

I find this anti-Catholic censorship quite disturbing and bizarre, Zenit is a reputable religious site that is often referred to by journalists. I thought the idea of Wikipedia was to provide a variety of sources for the reader, so they can make up their own mind.

Cardinal Pell has done an enormous amount to reform procedures in the Sydney Archdiocese into the way the Archdiocese handles sexual abuse claims. Also only three months into his tenure as Melbourne archbishop, Pell introduced tough changes into Church policy regarding abuse allegations and clergy were to be dealt with much more seriously, and compensation for the victims was improved.

Cardinal Pell is a well respected author, theologian and leader in the global church. This fact hit home for me at Sydney World Youth Day 2008 when a young Canadian woman shook the Cardinal's hand and said "Very pleased to meet you Cardinal Pell, I have read many of your books and they left a great impression on me." I took for granted as a young Australian Catholic that we have a world renowned leader leading the Archdiocese of Sydney, whose works were globally read. This young woman's admiration left an impression on me on and emphasised what a gift Cardinal Pell has been to the Australian Church. There is a reason why Pope John Paul II spotted his talent and elected him a Cardinal.

Over the years Pell has shown great courage facing atheist Richard Dawkins on the live panel of ABC on Q and A. In my opinion Cardinal Pell wiped the floor with Dawkins and handled Tony Jones with quick wit and no nonsense. I couldn't help but smile when Tony Jones tried to get Pell in trouble with the Jewish community by taking him out of context regarding a comment about Jewish people, which Pell quickly re-explained whilst gently chastising Tony Jones in his deep authoritative voice with the words "Nice try Tony."

I also had the pleasure of attending a debate with Cardinal Pell and atheist Dan Barker at Macquarie University in which the Cardinal's intelligence, humour and passion shone through. You can listen to the debate here.

Advertisement

To his credit Cardinal Pell hosted a world class global event in World Youth Day 2008 hosting 200,000 international guests. The benefits of World Youth Day 2008 cannot be under estimated there are many youth groups and social justice groups in Australia started as a result of the festival that are continuing to inspire youth of Australia, giving them hope, faith and teaching them the love of Christ.

Cardinal George Pell is a typical Australian (if there is such a thing) he grew up in Ballarat and was a great footy player who could have easily had a professional footy career if he had not felt called to join the priesthood and serve his community.

You can tell that he would have been a handsome man in his youth, even now with a stoop he is well over 6 feet tall and shows strength of character and leadership abilities. He could have married but instead chose a life of service giving his life as a gift to the Church, the people of his diocese, the needy and the poor.

His diocese (the Archdiocese of Sydney) has given 5 grants of $100,000 to support adult stem cell research which could revolutionise the treatment of a whole range of diseases. But I have yet to see this information published by secular media in the lead up to the papal conclave and I have to question, why?

This is only the sixth papal election where we have had a representative from Oceania, so Cardinal Pell voting for a new pope is a big deal, why is the media intent on focussing on the negative and discrediting Pell instead of reporting on all the reforms and great things he has done in his time in leadership?

The Sydney Morning Herald noted Oct. 15, 2002: "The allegations of sex abuse against Pell received extensive overseas coverage. It is doubtful the clearing of his name on these charges will receive the same prominence." So why is the same newspaper (Sydney Morning Herald) re-reporting old news found to be false? It seems like there is a mounting campaign from Paul Collins, Barney Zwartz at The Age and a few others to discredit the Cardinal at this crucial time.

Let's remind ourselves that Cardinal Pell is voting on something that will have a direct impact on history and the world. He is a great leader and a great Australian who I believe deserves better treatment by the press and to be shown a little more respect. Let's show some support for our Aussie Cardinal and look on the positive facts of his time as Cardinal instead of re-reporting the negative fiction.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

14 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Laura Bradley studied a BA in Media and Cultural Studies at Macquarie University has an interest in religion, youth ministry and social media.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 14 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy