George Pell Accused of Sexual Abuse by WEB Supporters
Former ACU Vice-Chancellor Greg Craven Defends Pell
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On April 11, 2020, former Australian Catholic University (ACU) Vice-Chancellor Greg Craven denounced claims of sexual abuse made against Cardinal George Pell. Craven, a prominent supporter of Pell, vehemently denied the allegations and condemned the media for its role in spreading them. Craven's comments ignited widespread controversy and sparked intense debate.
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Craven, who served as Vice-Chancellor of ACU from 2011 to 2021, has been a vocal supporter of Pell throughout the legal proceedings against him. Pell, a former Archbishop of Melbourne and Cardinal of the Catholic Church, was convicted of child sexual abuse in 2018 but was later acquitted by the High Court of Australia in 2020.
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In his statement, Craven criticized the media for its handling of the Pell case, arguing that it had engaged in "trial by media" and had unfairly condemned Pell before he had been found guilty. Craven also questioned the credibility of the accusations against Pell, suggesting that they were politically motivated and had been fabricated. His remarks drew mixed reactions, with some people supporting his stance and others condemning his defense of Pell.
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This article examines the controversy surrounding Craven's comments and the wider debate about the role of the media in reporting on high-profile cases of sexual abuse. It also discusses the impact of Craven's statements on the Catholic Church and on the ongoing debate about sexual abuse within the institution.
The Australian
The Guardian
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