The Archbishop of Brisbane, the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Aspinall, has accepted a recommendation of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland’s (ACSQ) Professional Standards Board prohibiting Mr Gilbert Case from holding any office, licence or position of responsibility in the Anglican Church.

The decision follows the Board’s consideration of the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Response to Child Sexual Abuse arising from Case Study 34.

That case study inquired into the response of St Paul’s School, Bald Hills to allegations of child sexual abuse against Gregory Knight and Kevin Lynch, both former members of staff there in the 1980s and 1990s. Mr Case was the headmaster of St Paul’s School during this period.

The Board was satisfied with certain findings made by the Royal Commission that, in not investigating or reporting to police allegations against Mr Knight that had been brought to his attention, Mr Case did not take proper steps to protect the safety and well-being of students at the school. The Board also accepted the Royal Commission findings that Mr Case allowed Mr Knight to resign and recklessly provided Mr Knight with a reference which omitted critical information about Mr Knight’s misconduct while he was employed by St Paul’s.

Based on the Board’s review of these matters, it recommended that Mr Case was permanently not fit to hold any office, licence or position of responsibility in the Church.

Archbishop Aspinall reiterated the Church’s apology to anyone who suffered child sexual abuse within the Church in the Diocese, and in particular at St Paul’s School.

The Anglican Church Southern Queensland has taken significant steps to better protect children within its churches and schools. These changes include mandatory screening for employees and clergy, training in child safety and mandatory reporting of sexual misconduct allegations.

ACSQ also offers support to any person who has suffered child sexual abuse within the Diocese. ACSQ is a member of the National Redress Scheme through which those who have suffered child sexual abuse may apply for redress in the form of a monetary amount, funds for counselling and a direct personal response such as an apology.

REDRESS & CLAIMS CONTACT: redress@anglicanchurchsq.org.au