The Right Side of History
THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY?
Today, 6 February 2024, the steering committee and the Jesuits meet to sign off on the historical narrative document. There is at least one dissenting voice, maintaining that, while the document is essentially a good one, there are omissions that need to be addressed. Given that the Jesuits are facing into dealing with the legacy of sexual abuse of young children by Dermot Casey SJ and by Paul Andrews SJ - a horrible vista is opening up - one hopes they will insure that the document detailing the life and crimes of Joseph Marmion SJ (and the ways in which they dealt with this insofar as they did) is complete.
Today, 24 January 2024, the past pupil’s steering committee whose task has been – inter alia – to compile an historical narrative of the life and crimes and Joseph Marmion SJ and the way in which the Jesuits dealt with him and his legacy, meets to sign off the final draft.
There are several issues that need to be addressed in this document. Firstly, the significance of Paul Andrews SJ being the Rector of Belvedere at the time Marmion was confronted about his behaviour and also himself a paedophile. The Jesuits’ request – or is it an instruction? – that Andrews’ role be considered solely in the context of The Marmion story – needs to be resisted. The life and crimes of Paul Andrews SJ must be seen in the round.
There must also be an explanation of why there was no mention of Andrews in The Jesuit Response, nor in the follow-up fact check document.
A question that I would like to see answered is this: Did members of the steering committee have sight of a document listing credibly accused Jesuits, including Andrews, and were they required to treat this as confidential?
I would hope that the remaining members of the original steering committee - considerably reduced in number since it was established - understand that the not inconsiderable work that they have undertaken is for Marmion’s victims, not for the Jesuits.
Given that the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse is imminent, along with further revelations concerning Jesuit paedophiles, I would hope that the document under discussion today turns out to be on the right side of history.