The Ledingham brothers: Christopher (L),Mike (back) and Gerry (R) Photo: supplied
Two survivors of abuse in the Catholic church are imploring others to come forward and share their stories with the Royal Commission of inquiry. After lobbying by religious groups and church abuse survivors two years ago, the Commission on Abuse in care was expanded to include religious institutions, not just state.
The first public hearings for these survivors have been set down for three weeks from late November.
Mike Ledingham and Steve Goodlass experienced abuse in two Catholic diocese. They tell Lynn Freeman the Church and other faith-based institutions must be held to account for the abuse suffered by many, and that requires the weight of the voices of many survivors.
For more information you can also visit The Reckoning NZ a podcast site curated by New Zealand survivors and advocates which features stories about the national and international abuse crisis as well as useful resources.
