Peter Hollingworth, a former governor-general and retired Anglican bishop, has passed away at the age of 91.
Hollingworth dedicated 11 years to his role as the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, beginning in 1990.
His tenure as governor-general from 2001 to 2003 ended with his resignation, following controversies over his management of child abuse allegations within the church.
The Anglican Church of Southern Queensland expressed its condolences to Hollingworth’s family and acknowledged with “deep regret” the church’s prior shortcomings.
In 2003, a Board of Inquiry into the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane’s handling of sexual abuse complaints revealed that Hollingworth, during his time as Archbishop, failed to take action upon learning of sexual abuse and permitted two clergy members to continue serving despite knowing they had assaulted children.
“The Board of Inquiry also found that Bishop Hollingworth had not handled a complaint from Beth Heinrich regarding the conduct of Donald Shearman ‘fairly, reasonably or appropriately’.
“Anglican Church of Southern Queensland acknowledges with deep regret the past failings of the Church.
“Anglican Church of Southern Queensland apologises unreservedly to those who have suffered abuse, distress, isolation, and harm caused by the Church’s failure to respond with integrity and care when it was needed most.”
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