Letter to the Editor

Trial by media in the Wilson case has led to a proliferation of hatred and a lynch mob mentality in which the PM, Leader of the Opposition and Premier are participants.

Let’s get it straight. This case is not about the actions of an Archbishop who has done more for child protection than any other church leader. It is about judgement of a fledging new priest facing a totally new and unexpected experience some 40 years ago.

Fletcher told his victim that his parents would not believe him. This was the normal reaction of those times. Disbelief, uncertainty and inaction is not a cover-up, a cover-up requires certainty.

Wilson believes he is innocent and has every right to prove it and challenge the decision of the magistrate. This is the man, who as bishop of Wollongong threatened to resign as bishop rather than be forced to re-employ a paedophile priest exonerated both civilly and at the Vatican.

Father Kevin Matthews
Cummins