2007

THE McCOSKER ORATION

Australis Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Tuesday 11 September 2007 

Bishop Patrick Power
Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn

On Tuesday 11th of September, Bishop Pat Power, Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn (pictured left), presented the McCosker Oration at the annual conference of Catholic Social Services Australia at Coffs Harbour in NSW. During his delivery he warned that compliance burdens imposed by the government, and even the church, could put at risk the many people "who fall between the cracks".

Bishop Power also cited the "earthiness" of Pope John XXIII and challenged those in leadership positions to "remain close to people at the 'grass-roots', ready to listen to their stories of pain, abuse and neglect".

He said: "We [can] become so 'professional' that we lose sight of the human persons involved?"

Bishop Power suggested to the audience that having a "whole variety of services" does not guarantee that many people will not "fall between the cracks" and he referred to retired Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Geoffrey Robinson as "one leader who has listened and remained in touch with his people."

Bishop Power's presentation was warmly received and appreciated by all present. A full copy of the presentation is available here.