[EBeditor]

I think this is a brilliant move. I'm sickened by the amount of stories coming out about abuse of vulnerable children, and the resultant cover-ups by the Police and churches.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-ne...1112-29862.html

Do you think it will lead to many more convictions?

[happening]

About time.

Everyone has long known or suspected that some organisations have systemic problems. A Royal Commission is probably the best option to begin the process of healing.

It's just a pity our politicians had to be carried, kicking and screaming, to this action.

I hope the offenders, be they priests, scout leaders or choirmasters, are outed. And I hope and pray the police who shielded and protected them are named, shamed and punished.

[Therese]

I also think that this is such an important thing to happen. What I have read recently has made me feel ill.

I hope that this can be step towards healing for the victims of this abuse.

[FluffyOscar]

This is a great thing. DH and I were just saying that an open and honest disclosure is the only thing that will save the Catholic Church.

[babychacha]

Agree - about time. I'm amazed that its taken this long.

Yes, I think its inevitable that there will be a lot more convictions.

[Mumma3]

I am pleased to see that this will be a wide investigation - the systemic abuse of children in various institutions needs to be publicly investigate and the perpetrators need and those who covered up for them, need to be made to face up to their actions. Those who suffered need an opportunity to say what happened, and to be believed - not told to shoosh up and go away.

I hope it will not become a political football, but that there will be wide support from all sides of politics and all states and that those states already holding their own inquiries will pass on their information and findings.

[Chelli]

I couldn't be happier with the news, it's about time that this subject was given the action it deserves. There have been far too many instances where more could have been done and I hope that it results in vulnerable children to get some justice.

[AMPSyd]

I think a major issue though will be the sanctity of the confessional - will priests be forced to pass on information re abuse that they received through the confessional. Cardinal Pell said that the Catholic Church will be happy to help with the commission - but (and I don't know if Pell said this or another Catholic spokeperson) that the sanctity of the confessional has to be upheld.

Though I know this Commission is far reaching and will hopefully will investigate teachers, scout leaders, priests and clergy, anyone involved with children.

[RatbagBob]

I think the sanctity of the confessional stinks, quite frankly, as it puts the laws of the Catholic Church above those of the state. Particularly given that there will be priests and others who have confessed to heinous crimes, been absolved, and gone on their way.

[JaneDoe2010]

I think the sanctity of the confessional stinks, quite frankly, as it puts the laws of the Catholic Church above those of the state. Particularly given that there will be priests and others who have confessed to heinous crimes, been absolved, and gone on their way.

I totally agree. It's disgusting.