WelCom April 2024
Cardinal John Dew has been overwhelmed by enormous support following his statement and the letter from Archbishop Paul Martin sm in response to media coverage about an allegation of sexual abuse.
The New Zealand Police have concluded their 10-month investigation and have determined that no charge will be laid against Cardinal John Dew, retired Archbishop of Wellington.
In response to media coverage about Cardinal John, Archbishop Paul Martin sm, the Archbishop of Wellington, wrote a letter on 7 March 2024 to the people of all the country’s Catholic parishes, schools and agencies. At the same time, Cardinal Dew issued a personal statement.
The text of the letter and the statement is on the New Zealand’s bishops’ website and is republished on this page.
Cardinal John stepped down from his role as Archbishop of Wellington in May last year upon reaching the age of 75, which is the standard retirement age for Catholic bishops. Following the Church’s protocols, Cardinal Dew withdrew from all public Church activities once the allegation was made known to the Church.
Cardinal John wrote in his statement: ‘From the time that I became a Bishop, I have lived by my Episcopal motto, “Peace through integrity”. Integrity has always meant a great deal to me and the words of that motto have guided my life.’
Cardinal Dew represented the Catholic Church during the Royal Commission investigating abuse in State Care and Faith-based Institutions, acknowledging that ‘we caused you pain, hurt and trauma and this continues to impact you’. ‘Any kind of abuse is unacceptable and indefensible. We are deeply sorry,’ the cardinal had said. He has pointed out he would not have been able to testify and issue a public apology on behalf of the New Zealand Catholic Church if the allegations against him were true.
Now that the police investigation has concluded, Cardinal John continues to stand aside while Church inquiries proceed [under Vos Estis Lux Mundi], Archbishop Paul Martin said in his letter.
The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference office has advised that the Church is not commenting on this matter as a Church process now proceeds, as mentioned in Archbishop Paul’s letter.
Cardinal John Dew’s media statement
Media Statement
Cardinal John Dew, Emeritus Archbishop of Wellington
March 7, 2023
My retirement as Archbishop of Wellington was announced on 5th May last year. On Saturday 6th May, I was informed that an allegation of sexual abuse had been made against me which dated back 46 years to when I was an Assistant Priest in Upper Hutt.
I stated immediately, and state again now, that there have never been any instances of improper or abusive behaviour in my 48 years of priesthood.
I learned that the complaint made against me had been submitted to the Church’s National Office for Professional Standards and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse. I followed church protocols, and stepped aside from any ministry while the Police were investigating this. Thirty weeks later I was interviewed by the New Zealand Police in the presence of my lawyer.
From the moment I was told of this alleged behaviour, I have strenuously denied that the events described ever happened.
This has now been thoroughly investigated by the New Zealand Police, others have been interviewed, and sworn affidavits provided to the Police prove that these allegations could never have happened.
The Police have informed me that this investigation has now been concluded, their file has been closed and no charges will be laid against me.
From the time that I became a Bishop, I have lived by my Episcopal motto, ‘Peace through integrity’. Integrity has always meant a great deal to me and the words of that motto have guided my life.
I do not know the person making the allegations and have never met him. The allegation against me is false, it may come from a well of anguish and grief arising from other reasons.
I am acutely aware of how distressing this is for many: survivors who have put their trust in me, our church community, and my family and friends. I state once again that all incidents of abuse are wrong. I hope and pray that all abuse victims will find peace and healing.
I restate that these alleged events never happened.
I have nothing further to add.
The Bishops and Congregational Leaders of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa New Zealand encourage anyone who has a complaint or report of abuse to approach the Police. Church authorities will always cooperate with Police investigations. Church leaders have established the National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) to ensure that people who have suffered abuse can disclose this in the expectation of receiving a sensitive response and be supported.
“What a God we have! How fortunate we are! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all – life healed and whole.”
– 1 Peter 1:3-5.
The Message (Catholic/Ecumenical Edition)