It’s encouraging to see Archbishop George of Sydney & Australia taking a principled stance and setting a standard for transparency and accountability within ROCOR. This is exactly the type of leadership we deserve and expect from church authorities when serious complaints are raised.

More info https://pokrovtruth.substack.com/p/rocor-abuse-response-best-practice 

We respectfully renew our request to Most Reverend Robert Rabbat, Bishop of the Melkite Catholic Church in Australia and New Zealand to set a clear and transparent standard for how the Melkite Eparchy of Australia handles complaints involving clergy and continues to follow this same path, just as it began to in its response to the formal complaint lodged regarding Father Samir Haddad of St Joseph Melkite Church in Fairfield.

Communities need clear, consistent processes that protect the vulnerable, support complainants, and uphold integrity in ministry. No church should be above scrutiny, and accountability is how trust is restored.

We ask that the Eparchy adopt a best-practice approach, similar to the public model implemented in other Australian dioceses, which includes:

• A clear, written complaints-handling process

• Implement robust safeguarding measures to prevent future abuse.

• Undertake education and reform to ensure a clear understanding of power, consent, and accountability within the Church.

• Transparent outcomes once an investigation is complete

Implementing these steps would show leadership, restore community trust, and demonstrate the Melkite Church’s commitment to accountability, consistency, and safeguarding.

True faith is not tested by covering up wrongdoing—but by how courageously and transparently we confront it.

We urge our community, fellow parishioners, and faith leaders to challenge silence, and demand a Church culture that protects the vulnerable above all else.

“It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable.”