New Zealand's leader formally apologizes to survivors of abuse in state and church care
Summary
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon issued a formal apology for the abuse, neglect, and torture endured by around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults in state, foster, and faith-based care institutions over seven decades. A major inquiry revealed that many of those in care, especially Māori, suffered unimaginable harm in church-run facilities, alongside state-run institutions. He apologized for both past and present governments' failures. The inquiry’s recommendations included calling for apologies from church leaders, including Pope Francis, and endorsing the creation of offices to prosecute abusers. Survivors emphasized that meaningful healing would require not only apologies but concrete actions to prevent future abuse, including reforms in faith-based care.
Relevance
Although not directly tied to faith-based healthcare, this article sheds light on the negative history of the Church in perpetrating violence, particularly against indigenous groups. This creates a conflict between the missions and identities of faith-based institutions today and the role they played in exerting colonial violence.