A Pdf version of this media release can be found online here

Today Vincent Ryan will walk free from Long Bay Prison.

Ryan has previously been convicted of sexually abusing more than 30 children in his care.

Former police investigators have publically stated that they believe he will always be a risk to the community.

He is still a priest.

It is time for the NSW Archdiocese to publically release the advice they have provided to the Vatican regarding Vincent Ryan’s priesthood and what steps that they will be taking to protect children from this convicted predator.

Anything short of this will be a tacit acknowledgement that Ryan is still welcome in their ranks.

It is inconceivable to any reasonable person that members of the clergy, who are convicted of heinous crimes against children, are not automatically defrocked.

Australia must lead the way in ensuring that convicted clergy are never again given the opportunity to re-offend in these institutions and that all ecclesiastical titles and ranks be stripped.

Survivors of institutional abuse are again reflecting on the tremendous trauma of the past and ongoing pain of the present. Today, as with every day, we stand with you and we honour your courage.

Vincent Ryan has never shown a skerrick of remorse for his crimes, he has never apologised to his victims.  The damage he has caused to the lives of so many is immeasurable.

Today he will leave prison a free man, but what’s harder still – today he will leave prison as an ordained priest.

Clare Leaney
CEO
In Good Faith Foundation
In Good Faith Foundation is national charity and support service providing advocacy services to individuals, families and communities impacted by institutional abuse for over twenty years.

For all media enquiries please contact Joe Stroud – Head of Government Relations & Media Communications: joe@igff.org.au