MEDIA STATEMENT

MAITLAND EVANGELICAL CHURCH

FIEC cares deeply about the safety and well-being of children and all vulnerable people in our churches. We grieve the harm that abuse causes and we are committed to responding to every allegation with compassion, humility, and a trauma-informed, victim-centred approach. All FIEC churches are required to follow safe ministry practices and to comply fully with mandatory reporting obligations. We also take seriously the Royal Commission’s findings that institutional responses — including public communications — must not place victims at risk of further pain or re-traumatisation.

Regarding the recent matter involving Maitland Evangelical Church (MEC), FIEC sought an independent investigation to ensure the situation was handled with integrity and care. The investigation found that the church and its leaders met all legal and reporting requirements, and made a deliberate effort to follow the Royal Commission’s guidance about avoiding practices that may unintentionally re-traumatise victims, especially given that they were still part of the congregation. The investigation noted that the church also consulted several independent professionals experienced in this sensitive area, each of whom advised that they act in the way they did.

We are disappointed that Ms Sue Higginson MLC chose to make a series of serious and otherwise defamatory allegations against MEC, its pastors and FIEC under the protection of parliamentary privilege. This is an abuse of the privileges afforded to Members of Parliament and risks re-traumatising the victims who have already suffered so greatly. At no point did Ms Higginson contact FIEC or MEC prior to making her allegations on the floor of the Legislative Council.

Bruce Bennett
FIEC National Director