MORE THAN TWO YEARS AND STILL NO CLEAR OUTCOME

More than two years have now passed since our formal complaint concerning allegations of sexual misconduct involving Father Samir Haddad of St Joseph’s Melkite Catholic Church, Fairfield was raised with the Melkite Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand.

We provided information and evidence that we believe raises serious concerns regarding the alleged conduct and compliance with Church standards and expectations of clergy.

On 18 September 2024, Bishop Robert Rabbat advised that a penal judicial process under Eastern Catholic canon law would be initiated.

Despite repeated follow-ups, we have still not received a clear explanation of whether that process commenced, where it stands, or whether any findings have been made.

We respect the need for due process and appropriate confidentiality. However, confidentiality cannot justify indefinite silence or a lack of accountability when a formal complaint involving allegations of sexual misconduct has been raised.

To be clear, these remain allegations, and we are not asking social media to determine guilt or innocence. We are asking the Melkite Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand to be accountable for how a serious complaint of this nature has been handled.

We again publicly call upon Bishop Robert Rabbat and the Melkite Eparchy of Australia and New Zealand to answer three straightforward questions:

Was the promised canonical process commenced?
Has it concluded?
If not, why not — and when will we receive an outcome?

After more than two years, these are reasonable questions that deserve clear answers.

Silence is not accountability. We will continue seeking answers.