An independent tribunal for Catholic abuse cases?

An independent tribunal for Catholic abuse cases?

Author: ABC Australia August 19, 2026 Duration: 29:06
The conviction of the Catholic bishop of Broome raises new questions about the ability of the church to investigate itself, especially in cases of abuse. One of the world's leading experts on church law says Australia's bishops should establish an independent tribunal of senior jurists to act swiftly against abusive clergy.  Plus, the female exodus from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). An insider take on what it means for the church.  Also, has a generation of men become demoralised — in every sense? GUESTS:  Professor Rik Torfs from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, civil and canon lawyer. He's also a former member of the Belgian parliament. Dr Jana Reiss, columnist with the Religion News Service, and a member of the Mormon church. Dr Tanveer Ahmed, psychiatrist and writer.  This program is recorded on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation.

Produced by the ABC, The Religion and Ethics Report-Separate stories podcast digs into the complex and often unseen forces shaping our world. Each episode is a deep, standalone exploration of how belief, morality, and spiritual practice intersect with the headlines and the human stories behind them. We move beyond simple soundbites to present nuanced conversations and reported features that consider the ethical dimensions of power, the cultural impact of faith, and the personal search for meaning. You’ll hear from a diverse range of voices-theologians and philosophers, community leaders and activists, artists and everyday people-all contributing to a vital examination of contemporary life. This podcast doesn’t offer easy answers but instead provides the context and depth needed to understand the pivotal role of religion and ethics in Australian society and across the globe. It’s for anyone curious about the deeper currents driving conflict, compassion, and change in our communities. Tune in for thoughtful, independent journalism that treats these profound subjects with the seriousness and specificity they deserve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast
Podcast Episodes
ICAC revelations about Catholic schools and a Liberal Party faction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:49
In New South Wales, the Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating claims that the head office of Catholic schools – but not the schools themselves -- employed some staff to work primarily on factional ac…
A priest's search for the fate of 60 Iraqi prisoners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
For six years, a Church of England priest has been trying to uncover the fate of more than 60 Iraqis taken prisoner by Coalition forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion.
Priest search for Iraqi prisoners fate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:56
For six years, a Church of England priest has been trying to uncover the fate of more than 60 Iraqis taken prisoner by Coalition forces during the 2003 Iraq invasion. What makes this search for the truth so compelling is…
Religion in Census a hot topic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:54
One of the most controversial questions in next week’s census is about religious affinity. Over the past two decades, increasing numbers of Australians say they have no religion. In 2021, it reached 39 per cent. But does…
The CJP: An online joke gets serious in India [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:23
Young voters have a voice in India right now. The Cockroach Janta Party or CJP might have started out as an online joke, but it's grown into a mass protests movement, driven by the discontent of millions of younger voter…
West Bank a tinderbox as Jewish settler violence escalates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:54
With an October 27 poll looming for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, security officials warn the Occupied West Bank is a tinderbox, with Palestinian Christian communities among those under sustained attack from…
Modi meets Melbourne [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:52
India’s Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Melbourne to receive a rock star welcome at a mass rally at docklands stadium. But not all Australian Hindus are fans - some see him as a divisive f…
In India the Cockroach Party calls off its demonstrations for now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:07
Young voters have a voice in India right now. India’s Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Melbourne to receive a rock star welcome at a mass rally at docklands stadium. But not all Australian…
American Hope: a new Pope Leo biography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:46
In today’s fractured politics, the Pope has approval ratings to die for. An Economist You-Gov poll recently found that among Americans – and not just Catholics -- Pope Leo led Donald Trump in the popularity stakes by 54…