Sexual Harassment is a Church Issue

I wonder how many diocese or parishes will carry this images in their bulletins  over the next few weeks?

The 2012 sexual harassment national telephone survey shows that sexual harassment is widespread in Australian workplaces. The survey also shows that progress towards addressing sexual harassment has stalled.

The figures are alarming and if you consider the number of faith based schools, hospitals, welfare centres and local parishes employing staff the message demands attention by all people of good will. It also challenges some of the culture of clericalism that continues in Church circles.

Our history as Catholics should remind us that sexual harassment is written large in our story. The acclamation of Mary McKillop as a a Saint is also the story of a woman who experienced workplace sexual harassment.