A decades-long cover-up of clergy abuse in Newcastle
In Crimes of the Cross, writer and social commentator Anne Manne uncovers the entrenched culture of concealment that enabled child sexual abuse to persist within the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle for decades.
Drawing on the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, victim-survivor accounts, and interviews with key figures—including Walkley Award-winning Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy—Crimes of the Cross: The Anglican Paedophile Network of Newcastle, Its Protectors and the Man Who Fought for Justice exposes how powerful clergy operated with impunity while the church protected its own.
Abuse facilitated by institutional protection
At the centre of this investigation is the story of Steve Smith, who was repeatedly abused by Father George Parker from the age of 10. Despite disclosing the abuse on multiple occasions, Smith was ignored and dismissed. A police report he made in 2000 resulted in charges, but these were ultimately dropped after the diocese failed to provide critical records. The case was not revived until 2016—just months before Parker’s death.
Smith’s story is tragically familiar. Manne reveals a consistent pattern across the diocese: victim-survivors were gaslighted, defamed, and disbelieved. Crimes were minimised or reframed as consensual acts. Records that could have held perpetrators to account were buried.
Institutional failure: A network of offenders, enablers and inaction
A powerful network of abusers and enablers operated within the diocese, protected by systemic leadership failures. Among the most notorious was former Anglican Dean Graeme Lawrence—described as having “groomed a whole city”—who was later convicted of child sexual abuse.
Other convicted clergy included senior priests and lay leaders in trusted positions. The Royal Commission found that successive bishops, including Roger Herft (later defrocked), prioritised the church’s reputation over the safety of children.
While the appointment of Bishop Greg Thompson, himself a victim-survivor, brought some cultural change, for many—like Smith—justice came too late.
Crimes of the Cross is a stark reminder of how power, fear of scandal and misplaced loyalty can silence victim-survivors and enable abuse. As Manne powerfully illustrates using the parable of the Good Samaritan, many in positions of responsibility simply walked past. Her message is clear: when institutions fail to act, investigate, or believe, abuse continues.
What this means for victim-survivors of institutional abuse
Books like Crimes of the Cross and documentaries such as The Bishop Who Knew Too Much (ABC Compass) draw crucial attention to the systemic protection of abusers within religious institutions and the culture of silence that allowed abuse to flourish. They also reinforce the urgent need for government action on reform.
The legal system still presents barriers. As seen in the Bird v DP (Pseudonym) High Court decision, victim-survivors must now prove direct negligence—a difficult threshold where institutions deny employment relationships with perpetrators.
However, viable legal avenues remain—especially where institutions knew of risks or were involved in cover-ups.
Hear more from Anne Manne on Crimes of the Cross
To hear more about the book’s revelations and the broader implications for victim-survivors and institutions, Catherine Henry Lawyers’ Institutional Abuse Practice Lead, Associate Nathan Buyers, spoke with Manne on our podcast, Law Matters with Catherine Henry Lawyers.
How can Catherine Henry Lawyers help?
At Catherine Henry Lawyers, we understand the trauma and sensitivity surrounding institutional abuse. Our experienced team can investigate these matters thoroughly and provide clear, compassionate advice about your legal options. If you or someone you know needs guidance navigating an institutional abuse claim, we’re here to help. Call us on 1800 874 949 or fill in the form below and we will be in touch.
