More than Two Years Later: Still Awaiting Answers, Accountability, and Transparency
It has now been more than two years since a formal written complaint was submitted to Bishop Robert Rabbat and Bishop Issam John Darwish in February 2024 regarding allegations of sexual misconduct by Father Samir Haddad involving a young adult member of the congregation and an active participant in the youth group at St Joseph Melkite Church in Fairfield, Victoria.
The complaint was supported by credible evidence and submitted through the appropriate Church channels. To date, we have received no meaningful update regarding the progress, status, findings, or outcome of any investigation into these serious allegations.
As members of the faithful, we believe that transparency, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable people must take precedence over concerns for reputation or institutional interests. The continued absence of communication raises serious questions and causes ongoing distress for those seeking truth, justice, and healing.
We respectfully call upon Bishop Robert Rabbat, Bishop Issam John Darwish, and all clergy serving within the Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and All Oceania to demonstrate a genuine commitment to accountability by providing an update on how this complaint has been addressed.
To Bishop Robert Rabbat and Bishop Issam John Darwish, we say:
“If abuse reports must be hidden to protect the reputation of the Church or a priest, then the Church is not being protected. The Church is protected when truth is confronted, justice is pursued, and the vulnerable are safeguarded.”
The Church does not become holy by hiding harm.
It becomes holy by telling the truth.
Silence protects abusers.
Transparency protects people.
If we truly desire renewal within our Church, it must begin with truth, accountability, and justice.
We continue to pray for wisdom, courage, and integrity from Church leadership, and for a process that places truth, justice, and the welfare of people above all other considerations.
The faithful deserve answers.
Survivors deserve to be heard.
The Church deserves the truth.