Devil's Playground (2014): Season 1, Episode 6 - Matthew 18:6 - full transcript
These priests
are raping children, and we just
move them so they can do it again.
We must go very quietly.
You must put together a report
that we can send to Rome.
Father Brian Spillane of Bathurst,
assaulted three girls.
Father Paul Ryan of Melbourne,
interfered with two boys.
Would you
take that for me, please?
Just read it.
And I'll call you.
I'm alright.
Father Andrassi's here.
He's gonna come and get you.
You know what'll happen if you
say anything to your Dad?
What did Father Andrassi
say that Dad might do?
Kill him and go to jail,
because of what he does to me.
Abused? Like sexual abuse?
He's touching the boys!
Can't you see?
One day I'll come back,
I'll fuckin' kill you, you know?
Hello, Father.
Hello, Bridie.
Did you read it?
Yeah, of course. It's sickening.
Almost impossible to believe.
But it's all true.
All the rumours, the lot.
And the worst part is,
you all knew.
Of course I didn't know.
What do you want me to do?
Leak it to a journo, or...?
No, the Catholic bashers in
the press will tear down the church.
Now, I see no need
to endanger the entire Church
to rid it of this scourge.
I broke the papal secret
bringing this to you.
The clergy who offend against
children are to be investigated
within the Church and by the Church.
Never publicly.
Anyone who makes this abuse public
faces immediate excommunication.
Do you understand that?
Then what?
There's a school funding deal
coming up,
and you're the chair on
the committee. I thought...
use that in the negotiations
against the Church.
Use it to get Bishop McNally to act.
Mm. Look, I'll call you.
Hi, sweetie.
Hi, Dad.
So, what'd you have for dinner?
Shepherd's pie.
The man said we could
have whatever we wanted.
What man?
What man?
A priest.
He said he knew you from
work, so I thought it was OK.
What priest?
I can't remember.
Um...
Dad?
Just pack up your stuff.
But you said we could
eat at the restaurant.
Now. Pack up now.
What about the termites?
We're going home.
Why? What?
Come on.
Bishop McNally.
Bishop John McNally!
My Lord is in a meeting, Doctor
Allen. You can't go in there.
Who's shouting?
What is it, Tom? You seem agitated.
The man outside my house?
The voice at the end of the phone?
You're stalking my family,
you're terrorising my children.
All of it, it ends now.
I don't know what you're
talking about.
You used me to give yourself
cover for Andrassi. You knew
what he was doing to those kids!
I did not.
And I am not accountable to you.
No, you don't have to explain
yourself to me, 'My Lord'.
But those children will grow up
and they will want to know why you
have done nothing - nothing
to protect them.
Show Doctor Allen out.
So, you had a question
about Doctor Allen.
Well, he
came to me highly distressed.
Spoke of being followed.
Threatened.
Perhaps I wasn't clear
enough at our last meeting, but
maybe there are...
more subtle methods
of bringing this situation
to a satisfying conclusion.
Whatever methods are taken, it's
best that you leave that to me.
You have discharged
your duty by coming here.
This is now an
administrative affair.
Don't concern yourself.
Doctor Allen has a family.
I'm only suggesting
a gentler approach.
I hear your concern, Bishop.
But please, you need to trust us.
Yes?
The Education Subgroup's
meeting tomorrow.
So fast?
And complicated.
Ah, I've been given some... advice.
From who?
The Justice Minister wants to
speak to you before we go ahead.
Forget it.
I can do nothing
about this politically if
I can't persuade my boss.
And I can't persuade him if you
yourself don't tell him where these
documents came from.
You still there?
Alright, I'll meet your Minister.
But not at Parliament House.
Hello.
Bishop Quaid.
John Pantano.
And, well, you know Margaret.
Look, thanks for
bringing this to us.
I must say how deeply shocked I
was. It's... it's devastating.
I understand the Church has
a process for dealing
with such allegations?
Well, that report is the process.
Pay the unfortunates off
and relocate the offending
priest to a new diocese. It's, ah...
Minister, our Church needs to heal
herself of this sickness, and all I
would ask, suggest, is that there be
some external pressure to help her
see the wisdom of that action.
Still,
men's reputations are at stake.
Accusations of this sort are
easily levelled, but
we need to get the facts right.
I don't see the facts could be
any clearer.
That's an official church document.
We all want a strong
Church, one that plays its
vital role as a moral force without
scandal or compromise.
That's why it's crucial that we all
come together, work together,
to find the best solution for this.
Sorry I'm late, John.
It's OK, we haven't ordered yet.
Good. Hello, Margaret.
Hello.
Vince.
What are we drinking?
Riesling. Good for you?
Sharing today?
Hope you're hungry.
How is he?
Oh, he's still asleep.
The kids are at Mum's so we
can talk a bit more freely.
Look, I think the first thing
we've got to do is get the Church
to admit the abuse occurred.
We're not calling it that,
are we, Matt?
It's interference.
OK, well, whatever we call it,
they've got to accept
responsibility for Father Andrassi
and make sure that he gives himself
up to the police.
We can't let this
happen to another child.
I'd also like to contact a lawyer.
Why do we need that?
To get some unbiased advice. I...
I'm not sure
we can trust the Church.
This is one priest's doing.
You can't blame the whole church.
Look, Catherine,
Andrassi must face charges.
We're agreed on that, yeah?
For both Peter and Elliot's sake.
I think we should talk
to the Bishop, Tom.
He'll know what to do.
I am sorry. It was a bloody set up.
As soon as I contacted
the Minister he rang John McNally!
Such backstabbing bastards!
Well, I can't help you anymore.
It's over.
Not if I name names under
parliamentary privilege.
You do that, this
institution will shut her vaults.
It'll bury everything.
Or I can make enough noise
and force a Royal Commission.
Let's get John McNally and Neville
and the rest of them up there on
the stand. Let's get them to answer
what they knew and when -
It won't work!
Why?
Because they will use the lax moral
Doctrine of Mental Reservation.
They will lie.
The clergy can tell partial
truths to outside authorities to
protect the Church, so long as
the full truth is kept for God.
Oh, that's unbelievable.
Ordination changes you, Margaret.
A man like Bishop McNally,
that change is so profound,
they don't see themselves
as being like other men.
They obey a higher office.
Now, there will be no reckoning.
I'm sorry, Margaret.
I believe you changed
when you became a priest, too.
You changed into
the man for this moment.
Stand with me.
We can lift the lid on this.
Let's go public together.
Right.
Well, I will
leave for the floor of the House
at 4:30 if you change your mind.
And I hope you do.
Some of you may already know that
a much loved member of our school
community, Father Andrassi, has been
called for an overseas sabbatical.
He has given tirelessly to
the school in his time with us
and his pastoral care
will be greatly missed.
I know that he would have liked
to have been here to help us to
welcome Father Nguyen.
What's going on, gentlemen?
That will cease this instant.
That will cease. You!
Put that out!
You're a disgrace!
I was humiliated
in front of the whole school. I have
no compunction in suspending your
entire year level. I will do that!
That's cos you care more about a
child molester than your students.
Kelly, you're out! You're gone.
You too, Allen. Expelled!
Back to class, boys.
I haven't dismissed them!
Come on, back to class now. Come on.
You're the disgrace.
How dare you!
No, listen to what these
boys are telling you.
You brought this on yourself.
We stand before these boys
to guide them, as teachers.
We ask them to trust us, to
believe in us, and then we
twist that belief and abuse that
trust and we make it shameful.
We make ourselves shameful.
You should beg forgiveness for what
you've done to them, as I will,
every day of my life.
Well, I'm glad you called me.
Just drop me off at Central.
I posted your bail.
I've got to keep an eye on you.
Just take me to
the fuckin' station.
Brendan, I don't care
what the police say.
I don't care who Father Andrassi
thinks he is. I believe you.
You can come home with me or
get yourself to the station.
Do what you like.
Just don't cause any more shit.
I'm only trying to help you.
Are they going to prosecute him?
Certainly gonna try.
Gonna get in?
Come on, Vincent. Pick up.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
The Member for Sydney.
Mr Speaker,
as a devout Catholic, I have prayed
about my actions today,
but I know what I must do.
A document
has come into my possession.
It accounts for the endemic abuse
of children by Catholic clergy
and the calculated protection
of these perpetrators by
very upper layers of the Church.
Mr Speaker, please!
Now, these children came
to the Church because others
said they were worthless.
Quiet!
Mr Speaker, children who
trusted a holy institution
that claims to uphold the very
purest example of humanity.
When will these victims
be heard, Mr Speaker?
When does their day
for justice come?
Order! The member for...
Well, I say today is
that day for justice.
That's enough! Sit down...
This isn't a you and me thing.
Just so you know.
Dad wants you here.
OK.
You want to let anyone
know where you are?
Only prick who ever really
cared about me was that priest.
How fucked up is that?
You know they're
sending him overseas?
I know. It's shit.
Hello?
Hi.
Turn the news on.
Put the news on, David.
...Parliament today
when Labor frontbencher Margaret
Wallace opened the lid on child
sex abuse in the Catholic Church.
It accounts for the endemic abuse
of children by Catholic clergy.
Are you watching?
And the calculated protection
of these perpetrators...
Yeah.
...by very upper
layers of the Church.
In a rowdy scene, Mrs Wallace was
ejected from the Parliament after
she repeatedly refused
to obey Speaker's orders.
The Justice Minister was quick
to distance himself from the MP,
amid claims she suffers
from clinical depression.
I'm not connecting her mental health
with her poor judgement today,
but as Margaret Wallace has
herself nominated for stress leave,
we will be supporting
her and her family.
These are shocking claims but if
it turns out mistakes have been
made then those responsible
must be held accountable,
even if that means the very top.
It's believed at least 2,000 people
were killed today when a democracy
march became a massacre in
Burma's capital, Rangoon.
Forces loyal to socialist
military leader Ne Win opened fire
on the demonstrators, which included
many Buddhist monks. A spokesman...
The Holy Father believes
Bishop McNally has brought
abasement to our Church.
A day ago you told me Rome
approved of what he was doing.
The facts were cloudier then.
Vincent, we need to put
together a proper response.
You agree with that, don't you?
Yes.
And a shepherd is needed
to guide us with this.
A man who has stood up for what is
right in this area, despite all
the pressure from his superiors.
And for such a man as this,
His Holiness can place a
name on top of the terna,
a name like yours, should
the Holy Spirit move him to do so.
You can't be serious.
We need you to be our
tower of strength, Vincent.
Haven't you always wanted to steer
the Church in its proper direction?
You love your Church.
Show that love now.
Chart a new course for us. Lead us.
So you want me to push this
into darkness? To cover this up?
No.
We want you to protect the Church.
Honour your oath of fidelity.
We will handle these
wayward priests. Trust us.
How can I trust this?
These empty promises?
You know the conference of
Bishops would never appoint me.
We Australians like to believe
we run our church, however...
Rome favours you, Vincent.
And Bishop McNally?
Bishop McNally would move.
There are many dioceses
that would benefit from
a man of John's intellect.
Alice Springs, Cooktown.
Port Moresby.
What do you say?
Take some time.
Think on it.
Drop this pride.
You know very well what
God is calling you to do.
Responsibility,
sacrifice, commitment.
The signs of being godly,
not this narcissism.
But isn't what they ask
of me narcissism, Stan?
It's ambition. I fear it.
What they want me to do,
to be the face of this,
I'll be reviled inside
and outside the Church.
I'll deserve that contempt.
For God's sake, Vincent.
You do not matter.
It's the Church that matters.
Just take the position.
But I don't want this.
I didn't ask for it, Stan.
I'm not strong enough.
Was our Lord strong enough?
Trust him.
He will give you strength.
Well played.
I thought you were
too good for this,
too pure.
But this is a blacker game
than I could ever have devised.
You did this to yourself.
You still think
there's sides, don't you?
Good. Bad. Dark and light.
But there's only one Church.
What she gives, and what she takes.
You think I wanted these?
You think I asked for these men?
I did what had to be done.
They're priests. I had to help.
Come on, John. You were wrong.
Zealots like you
might think I'm weak.
But could you look
into the face of a man,
brother priest,
deny him compassion?
Tell him he was going to jail?
I pray I'd know what to say.
Oh, well, there'll be no-one to
answer that prayer. No-one at all.
You think this is a victory
for your beliefs, don't you?
This is a palace coup.
You may last a couple of years but
then I'll be back,
or someone like me.
These... These are all yours.
Take them. Take them.
They're your problem now.
Thanks for meeting me.
I wanted you to know that
we did speak to someone
and got a fresh perspective.
Who?
Brother Cosgrove.
And he was very helpful. He thinks
that dragging it out into the open
isn't in Elliot's best interest.
Catherine...
And Matt and I agree.
It's too traumatic.
So then what happens to Peter?
It's not the same.
Why?
Why is it not the same?
Peter's dead.
Elliot has to live with this
stain for the rest of his life.
I'm sorry. It's true.
Brother Cosgrove has arranged
a meeting with the Bishop.
Matthew and I would like
you to be there with us.
Does Elliot seem different?
How?
Does he?
Just listen to what
Bishop McNally has to say.
They're not the enemy.
I'd like to start with a
formal apology to the family.
A general statement of regret
is legally appropriate.
What's this?
Talking points, agreed by Rome.
Sadly, behaviour like Father
Andrassi's applies in so many
areas of society today.
Other faiths are not immune.
We're confident that priests like
Father Andrassi are the minority
and that this is probably
already largely in the past.
Now, the Church is legally
compelled to do nothing, yet
she opens her arms to begin
the healing process with a generous
act of compensation.
I don't want this.
Well, I'm afraid you
have no choice, My Lord.
Dear brothers
and sisters in Christ,
my name is Father Neil Lenken.
On behalf of the Church and
Bishop Quaid,
I would like to say
how truly sorry we are for
the pain you are feeling,
and the trust betrayed.
We know the feeling too.
We are also victims of
Father Andrassi's sins.
Where's McNally?
He's been called away.
Bishop Quaid is here in his stead.
What does the Church intend
to do about Father Andrassi?
Father Andrassi is currently
overseas, but when he returns -
And when's that?
When his treatment is concluded.
And when exactly is that?
I'm sorry, My Lord.
Maybe this was a bad idea.
Nobody is unwelcome here.
My sincerest apologies to you
for your loss, Mrs Kelly. I...
I cannot imagine your grief.
And to you, Mr and Mrs Darcy.
Is Elliot here today?
No.
How is he?
You might wish to consider
his changing schools.
There will be many
unsettling memories
for the boy at St Venables.
We can discuss options.
One of our top colleges, perhaps.
What about my son?
What school can he go to?
My door is always open to you,
Mrs Kelly, to help you through
this in any way I can -
I don't care about your door.
I want Andrassi in prison.
He's a criminal.
We found in cases like these that
the courts are neither an effective
solution nor ultimately healing.
Many traumatic questions
will inevitably arise.
Why did the victims take
so long to come forward?
Did they misinterpret...
Hang on, Father.
Now we're not here to delve
into those. We are here to heal.
I'll sue you then.
Alice!
Mrs Kelly, the Church is
not something you can sue.
We are not responsible for
the conduct of our priests.
They are not
employed by the Church.
Well, who is responsible then?
Is it the Cardinal?
Is it... is it you, Bishop Quaid?
I suppose you could take legal
action against individual priests
like Father Andrassi if you
believed you had grounds, but I
must warn you, he's not wealthy...
That's enough, Father Lenken.
I want to help you.
You must believe me.
But there are obstacles.
This will take some time.
Do you even know
how old my son was?
I need you to trust your Church.
I'm doing the best I can.
Thirteen.
Speak to me, oh, Lord.
Your servant is listening.
Fill me with spirit. Help me
understand your holy plan for me.
Console my anxious soul.
Speak.
Speak!
Hello, parish house.
Hi, my name's David Allen.
I'm in Year 12 at St Venables.
Oh, OK.
A bunch of us
wanted to say goodbye to Father
Andrassi before he goes overseas.
Oh, no, dear.
Father's not going overseas.
He's having a break at a
retreat house in the hills.
I can get you the address,
if you like?
Um, yeah, his...
his address'd be great.
Just a tick.
It's 9 Columbus Road, Pennant Hills.
9 Columbus Road, Pennant Hills.
Who was that?
He's in Sydney.
They fuckin' lied to us.
Wait for Dad!
Keep out of it!
Keep going.
Move!
Father Andrassi!
Brendan!
Brendan!
Brendan!
No, please!
Pull 'em down.
No, please!
Your pants. Down!
Do it! Get 'em off. Off!
Brendan.
Do it!
Come on, come on. Think about
what you're doing. Come on, mate.
Don't chuck your life away.
For what?
Just stay the fuck away!
Do it!
I can't. I can't!
Are you scared? You fuckin' scared?
Please, Brendan. Brendan, please!
I love you.
I love you.
Brendan. Brendan, come on.
Call an ambulance, for God's sake.
Come on, Brendan. Brendan.
Brendan, give me the gun.
Give it to me.
Come on.
You were cleaning your gun
and it went off. You're clumsy.
Say it.
What?
"The gun went off when I was
cleaning it. I am clumsy."
Nobody saw us.
It's my word against yours.
A filthy paedophile
against a trusted doctor.
I... I was clumsy.
Did you make that?
It's dumb.
I told them I'm probably not
going to do my confirmation anyway.
Come here.
Hi.
Had some things left over from
the Lenten appeal at school.
That's very kind, but
we're fine, Brother.
Is Elliot around? I wouldn't
mind saying a quick hello.
Elliot wants to make a fresh start,
so he's decided to have nothing to
do with his old school.
It might be best if you
don't come round again.
I'm sure you can understand.
Oh, of course.
God bless you, then.
Give him my best.
We're late.
Hang on.
You OK, mate?
I can't be your
confirmation sponsor.
I don't believe in God. I'm sorry.
That's OK.
I'll do it.
But I wanted you to have this.
Mum gave it to me
at my confirmation.
Thank you.
Your Mum would be
very proud of you.
Come on, let's go inside.
Yes?
Bishop Quaid?
What are you doing here?
Well, it's my
daughter's confirmation,
so I thought I'd come and offer
my congratulations to you too.
Archbishop,
isn't that right, in a few years?
Then Cardinal?
The Church doesn't have
to go down this path.
It's better than this.
I feel you're a
better man than this.
You don't know me.
Alice Kelly and I have
spoken to a lawyer.
This is not over.
You have no idea what I'm
up against. You cannot win.
Why don't you go, hmm?
Walk out of here.
You have before.
Not this time.
You see you're wrong.
This is my Church.
And I'm gonna fight for it.
My dear children of God,
I now invite you to repeat your
wish to be the strong and perfect
soldiers of Christ this sacrament
of confirmation calls you to be.
Do you reject Satan?
I do.
And all his empty promises?
I do.
Do you believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
I do.
Therese, be sealed with
the gift of salvation.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Peace be with you.
And with you.
Keep going.
Come on. Come on, slow poke.
Keep going.
Come on.
OK, almost there. Keep going.
No peeking.
You ready?
Yeah.
Congratulations.
Yay, Bridie.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, they mentioned Peter, in
the Prayers of the Faithful today.
Thank you for telling me that.
Cut the cake? Yeah, go for it.
Wait, wait.
Actually, wait for everyone else.
Do you want a lemonade?
Yes, please.
I'm sorry I couldn't
be there today.
That's OK. You're here now.
Come on, make a wish.
It's mine. It's my party.
What are you going to wish for?
Eyes closed.
Dad!
Please just let me cut the cake.
Dad, come on. They won't let
me cut the cake without you.
Just... just some of the icing.
Just anything. Thanks.
Hello, Father.
are raping children, and we just
move them so they can do it again.
We must go very quietly.
You must put together a report
that we can send to Rome.
Father Brian Spillane of Bathurst,
assaulted three girls.
Father Paul Ryan of Melbourne,
interfered with two boys.
Would you
take that for me, please?
Just read it.
And I'll call you.
I'm alright.
Father Andrassi's here.
He's gonna come and get you.
You know what'll happen if you
say anything to your Dad?
What did Father Andrassi
say that Dad might do?
Kill him and go to jail,
because of what he does to me.
Abused? Like sexual abuse?
He's touching the boys!
Can't you see?
One day I'll come back,
I'll fuckin' kill you, you know?
Hello, Father.
Hello, Bridie.
Did you read it?
Yeah, of course. It's sickening.
Almost impossible to believe.
But it's all true.
All the rumours, the lot.
And the worst part is,
you all knew.
Of course I didn't know.
What do you want me to do?
Leak it to a journo, or...?
No, the Catholic bashers in
the press will tear down the church.
Now, I see no need
to endanger the entire Church
to rid it of this scourge.
I broke the papal secret
bringing this to you.
The clergy who offend against
children are to be investigated
within the Church and by the Church.
Never publicly.
Anyone who makes this abuse public
faces immediate excommunication.
Do you understand that?
Then what?
There's a school funding deal
coming up,
and you're the chair on
the committee. I thought...
use that in the negotiations
against the Church.
Use it to get Bishop McNally to act.
Mm. Look, I'll call you.
Hi, sweetie.
Hi, Dad.
So, what'd you have for dinner?
Shepherd's pie.
The man said we could
have whatever we wanted.
What man?
What man?
A priest.
He said he knew you from
work, so I thought it was OK.
What priest?
I can't remember.
Um...
Dad?
Just pack up your stuff.
But you said we could
eat at the restaurant.
Now. Pack up now.
What about the termites?
We're going home.
Why? What?
Come on.
Bishop McNally.
Bishop John McNally!
My Lord is in a meeting, Doctor
Allen. You can't go in there.
Who's shouting?
What is it, Tom? You seem agitated.
The man outside my house?
The voice at the end of the phone?
You're stalking my family,
you're terrorising my children.
All of it, it ends now.
I don't know what you're
talking about.
You used me to give yourself
cover for Andrassi. You knew
what he was doing to those kids!
I did not.
And I am not accountable to you.
No, you don't have to explain
yourself to me, 'My Lord'.
But those children will grow up
and they will want to know why you
have done nothing - nothing
to protect them.
Show Doctor Allen out.
So, you had a question
about Doctor Allen.
Well, he
came to me highly distressed.
Spoke of being followed.
Threatened.
Perhaps I wasn't clear
enough at our last meeting, but
maybe there are...
more subtle methods
of bringing this situation
to a satisfying conclusion.
Whatever methods are taken, it's
best that you leave that to me.
You have discharged
your duty by coming here.
This is now an
administrative affair.
Don't concern yourself.
Doctor Allen has a family.
I'm only suggesting
a gentler approach.
I hear your concern, Bishop.
But please, you need to trust us.
Yes?
The Education Subgroup's
meeting tomorrow.
So fast?
And complicated.
Ah, I've been given some... advice.
From who?
The Justice Minister wants to
speak to you before we go ahead.
Forget it.
I can do nothing
about this politically if
I can't persuade my boss.
And I can't persuade him if you
yourself don't tell him where these
documents came from.
You still there?
Alright, I'll meet your Minister.
But not at Parliament House.
Hello.
Bishop Quaid.
John Pantano.
And, well, you know Margaret.
Look, thanks for
bringing this to us.
I must say how deeply shocked I
was. It's... it's devastating.
I understand the Church has
a process for dealing
with such allegations?
Well, that report is the process.
Pay the unfortunates off
and relocate the offending
priest to a new diocese. It's, ah...
Minister, our Church needs to heal
herself of this sickness, and all I
would ask, suggest, is that there be
some external pressure to help her
see the wisdom of that action.
Still,
men's reputations are at stake.
Accusations of this sort are
easily levelled, but
we need to get the facts right.
I don't see the facts could be
any clearer.
That's an official church document.
We all want a strong
Church, one that plays its
vital role as a moral force without
scandal or compromise.
That's why it's crucial that we all
come together, work together,
to find the best solution for this.
Sorry I'm late, John.
It's OK, we haven't ordered yet.
Good. Hello, Margaret.
Hello.
Vince.
What are we drinking?
Riesling. Good for you?
Sharing today?
Hope you're hungry.
How is he?
Oh, he's still asleep.
The kids are at Mum's so we
can talk a bit more freely.
Look, I think the first thing
we've got to do is get the Church
to admit the abuse occurred.
We're not calling it that,
are we, Matt?
It's interference.
OK, well, whatever we call it,
they've got to accept
responsibility for Father Andrassi
and make sure that he gives himself
up to the police.
We can't let this
happen to another child.
I'd also like to contact a lawyer.
Why do we need that?
To get some unbiased advice. I...
I'm not sure
we can trust the Church.
This is one priest's doing.
You can't blame the whole church.
Look, Catherine,
Andrassi must face charges.
We're agreed on that, yeah?
For both Peter and Elliot's sake.
I think we should talk
to the Bishop, Tom.
He'll know what to do.
I am sorry. It was a bloody set up.
As soon as I contacted
the Minister he rang John McNally!
Such backstabbing bastards!
Well, I can't help you anymore.
It's over.
Not if I name names under
parliamentary privilege.
You do that, this
institution will shut her vaults.
It'll bury everything.
Or I can make enough noise
and force a Royal Commission.
Let's get John McNally and Neville
and the rest of them up there on
the stand. Let's get them to answer
what they knew and when -
It won't work!
Why?
Because they will use the lax moral
Doctrine of Mental Reservation.
They will lie.
The clergy can tell partial
truths to outside authorities to
protect the Church, so long as
the full truth is kept for God.
Oh, that's unbelievable.
Ordination changes you, Margaret.
A man like Bishop McNally,
that change is so profound,
they don't see themselves
as being like other men.
They obey a higher office.
Now, there will be no reckoning.
I'm sorry, Margaret.
I believe you changed
when you became a priest, too.
You changed into
the man for this moment.
Stand with me.
We can lift the lid on this.
Let's go public together.
Right.
Well, I will
leave for the floor of the House
at 4:30 if you change your mind.
And I hope you do.
Some of you may already know that
a much loved member of our school
community, Father Andrassi, has been
called for an overseas sabbatical.
He has given tirelessly to
the school in his time with us
and his pastoral care
will be greatly missed.
I know that he would have liked
to have been here to help us to
welcome Father Nguyen.
What's going on, gentlemen?
That will cease this instant.
That will cease. You!
Put that out!
You're a disgrace!
I was humiliated
in front of the whole school. I have
no compunction in suspending your
entire year level. I will do that!
That's cos you care more about a
child molester than your students.
Kelly, you're out! You're gone.
You too, Allen. Expelled!
Back to class, boys.
I haven't dismissed them!
Come on, back to class now. Come on.
You're the disgrace.
How dare you!
No, listen to what these
boys are telling you.
You brought this on yourself.
We stand before these boys
to guide them, as teachers.
We ask them to trust us, to
believe in us, and then we
twist that belief and abuse that
trust and we make it shameful.
We make ourselves shameful.
You should beg forgiveness for what
you've done to them, as I will,
every day of my life.
Well, I'm glad you called me.
Just drop me off at Central.
I posted your bail.
I've got to keep an eye on you.
Just take me to
the fuckin' station.
Brendan, I don't care
what the police say.
I don't care who Father Andrassi
thinks he is. I believe you.
You can come home with me or
get yourself to the station.
Do what you like.
Just don't cause any more shit.
I'm only trying to help you.
Are they going to prosecute him?
Certainly gonna try.
Gonna get in?
Come on, Vincent. Pick up.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
The Member for Sydney.
Mr Speaker,
as a devout Catholic, I have prayed
about my actions today,
but I know what I must do.
A document
has come into my possession.
It accounts for the endemic abuse
of children by Catholic clergy
and the calculated protection
of these perpetrators by
very upper layers of the Church.
Mr Speaker, please!
Now, these children came
to the Church because others
said they were worthless.
Quiet!
Mr Speaker, children who
trusted a holy institution
that claims to uphold the very
purest example of humanity.
When will these victims
be heard, Mr Speaker?
When does their day
for justice come?
Order! The member for...
Well, I say today is
that day for justice.
That's enough! Sit down...
This isn't a you and me thing.
Just so you know.
Dad wants you here.
OK.
You want to let anyone
know where you are?
Only prick who ever really
cared about me was that priest.
How fucked up is that?
You know they're
sending him overseas?
I know. It's shit.
Hello?
Hi.
Turn the news on.
Put the news on, David.
...Parliament today
when Labor frontbencher Margaret
Wallace opened the lid on child
sex abuse in the Catholic Church.
It accounts for the endemic abuse
of children by Catholic clergy.
Are you watching?
And the calculated protection
of these perpetrators...
Yeah.
...by very upper
layers of the Church.
In a rowdy scene, Mrs Wallace was
ejected from the Parliament after
she repeatedly refused
to obey Speaker's orders.
The Justice Minister was quick
to distance himself from the MP,
amid claims she suffers
from clinical depression.
I'm not connecting her mental health
with her poor judgement today,
but as Margaret Wallace has
herself nominated for stress leave,
we will be supporting
her and her family.
These are shocking claims but if
it turns out mistakes have been
made then those responsible
must be held accountable,
even if that means the very top.
It's believed at least 2,000 people
were killed today when a democracy
march became a massacre in
Burma's capital, Rangoon.
Forces loyal to socialist
military leader Ne Win opened fire
on the demonstrators, which included
many Buddhist monks. A spokesman...
The Holy Father believes
Bishop McNally has brought
abasement to our Church.
A day ago you told me Rome
approved of what he was doing.
The facts were cloudier then.
Vincent, we need to put
together a proper response.
You agree with that, don't you?
Yes.
And a shepherd is needed
to guide us with this.
A man who has stood up for what is
right in this area, despite all
the pressure from his superiors.
And for such a man as this,
His Holiness can place a
name on top of the terna,
a name like yours, should
the Holy Spirit move him to do so.
You can't be serious.
We need you to be our
tower of strength, Vincent.
Haven't you always wanted to steer
the Church in its proper direction?
You love your Church.
Show that love now.
Chart a new course for us. Lead us.
So you want me to push this
into darkness? To cover this up?
No.
We want you to protect the Church.
Honour your oath of fidelity.
We will handle these
wayward priests. Trust us.
How can I trust this?
These empty promises?
You know the conference of
Bishops would never appoint me.
We Australians like to believe
we run our church, however...
Rome favours you, Vincent.
And Bishop McNally?
Bishop McNally would move.
There are many dioceses
that would benefit from
a man of John's intellect.
Alice Springs, Cooktown.
Port Moresby.
What do you say?
Take some time.
Think on it.
Drop this pride.
You know very well what
God is calling you to do.
Responsibility,
sacrifice, commitment.
The signs of being godly,
not this narcissism.
But isn't what they ask
of me narcissism, Stan?
It's ambition. I fear it.
What they want me to do,
to be the face of this,
I'll be reviled inside
and outside the Church.
I'll deserve that contempt.
For God's sake, Vincent.
You do not matter.
It's the Church that matters.
Just take the position.
But I don't want this.
I didn't ask for it, Stan.
I'm not strong enough.
Was our Lord strong enough?
Trust him.
He will give you strength.
Well played.
I thought you were
too good for this,
too pure.
But this is a blacker game
than I could ever have devised.
You did this to yourself.
You still think
there's sides, don't you?
Good. Bad. Dark and light.
But there's only one Church.
What she gives, and what she takes.
You think I wanted these?
You think I asked for these men?
I did what had to be done.
They're priests. I had to help.
Come on, John. You were wrong.
Zealots like you
might think I'm weak.
But could you look
into the face of a man,
brother priest,
deny him compassion?
Tell him he was going to jail?
I pray I'd know what to say.
Oh, well, there'll be no-one to
answer that prayer. No-one at all.
You think this is a victory
for your beliefs, don't you?
This is a palace coup.
You may last a couple of years but
then I'll be back,
or someone like me.
These... These are all yours.
Take them. Take them.
They're your problem now.
Thanks for meeting me.
I wanted you to know that
we did speak to someone
and got a fresh perspective.
Who?
Brother Cosgrove.
And he was very helpful. He thinks
that dragging it out into the open
isn't in Elliot's best interest.
Catherine...
And Matt and I agree.
It's too traumatic.
So then what happens to Peter?
It's not the same.
Why?
Why is it not the same?
Peter's dead.
Elliot has to live with this
stain for the rest of his life.
I'm sorry. It's true.
Brother Cosgrove has arranged
a meeting with the Bishop.
Matthew and I would like
you to be there with us.
Does Elliot seem different?
How?
Does he?
Just listen to what
Bishop McNally has to say.
They're not the enemy.
I'd like to start with a
formal apology to the family.
A general statement of regret
is legally appropriate.
What's this?
Talking points, agreed by Rome.
Sadly, behaviour like Father
Andrassi's applies in so many
areas of society today.
Other faiths are not immune.
We're confident that priests like
Father Andrassi are the minority
and that this is probably
already largely in the past.
Now, the Church is legally
compelled to do nothing, yet
she opens her arms to begin
the healing process with a generous
act of compensation.
I don't want this.
Well, I'm afraid you
have no choice, My Lord.
Dear brothers
and sisters in Christ,
my name is Father Neil Lenken.
On behalf of the Church and
Bishop Quaid,
I would like to say
how truly sorry we are for
the pain you are feeling,
and the trust betrayed.
We know the feeling too.
We are also victims of
Father Andrassi's sins.
Where's McNally?
He's been called away.
Bishop Quaid is here in his stead.
What does the Church intend
to do about Father Andrassi?
Father Andrassi is currently
overseas, but when he returns -
And when's that?
When his treatment is concluded.
And when exactly is that?
I'm sorry, My Lord.
Maybe this was a bad idea.
Nobody is unwelcome here.
My sincerest apologies to you
for your loss, Mrs Kelly. I...
I cannot imagine your grief.
And to you, Mr and Mrs Darcy.
Is Elliot here today?
No.
How is he?
You might wish to consider
his changing schools.
There will be many
unsettling memories
for the boy at St Venables.
We can discuss options.
One of our top colleges, perhaps.
What about my son?
What school can he go to?
My door is always open to you,
Mrs Kelly, to help you through
this in any way I can -
I don't care about your door.
I want Andrassi in prison.
He's a criminal.
We found in cases like these that
the courts are neither an effective
solution nor ultimately healing.
Many traumatic questions
will inevitably arise.
Why did the victims take
so long to come forward?
Did they misinterpret...
Hang on, Father.
Now we're not here to delve
into those. We are here to heal.
I'll sue you then.
Alice!
Mrs Kelly, the Church is
not something you can sue.
We are not responsible for
the conduct of our priests.
They are not
employed by the Church.
Well, who is responsible then?
Is it the Cardinal?
Is it... is it you, Bishop Quaid?
I suppose you could take legal
action against individual priests
like Father Andrassi if you
believed you had grounds, but I
must warn you, he's not wealthy...
That's enough, Father Lenken.
I want to help you.
You must believe me.
But there are obstacles.
This will take some time.
Do you even know
how old my son was?
I need you to trust your Church.
I'm doing the best I can.
Thirteen.
Speak to me, oh, Lord.
Your servant is listening.
Fill me with spirit. Help me
understand your holy plan for me.
Console my anxious soul.
Speak.
Speak!
Hello, parish house.
Hi, my name's David Allen.
I'm in Year 12 at St Venables.
Oh, OK.
A bunch of us
wanted to say goodbye to Father
Andrassi before he goes overseas.
Oh, no, dear.
Father's not going overseas.
He's having a break at a
retreat house in the hills.
I can get you the address,
if you like?
Um, yeah, his...
his address'd be great.
Just a tick.
It's 9 Columbus Road, Pennant Hills.
9 Columbus Road, Pennant Hills.
Who was that?
He's in Sydney.
They fuckin' lied to us.
Wait for Dad!
Keep out of it!
Keep going.
Move!
Father Andrassi!
Brendan!
Brendan!
Brendan!
No, please!
Pull 'em down.
No, please!
Your pants. Down!
Do it! Get 'em off. Off!
Brendan.
Do it!
Come on, come on. Think about
what you're doing. Come on, mate.
Don't chuck your life away.
For what?
Just stay the fuck away!
Do it!
I can't. I can't!
Are you scared? You fuckin' scared?
Please, Brendan. Brendan, please!
I love you.
I love you.
Brendan. Brendan, come on.
Call an ambulance, for God's sake.
Come on, Brendan. Brendan.
Brendan, give me the gun.
Give it to me.
Come on.
You were cleaning your gun
and it went off. You're clumsy.
Say it.
What?
"The gun went off when I was
cleaning it. I am clumsy."
Nobody saw us.
It's my word against yours.
A filthy paedophile
against a trusted doctor.
I... I was clumsy.
Did you make that?
It's dumb.
I told them I'm probably not
going to do my confirmation anyway.
Come here.
Hi.
Had some things left over from
the Lenten appeal at school.
That's very kind, but
we're fine, Brother.
Is Elliot around? I wouldn't
mind saying a quick hello.
Elliot wants to make a fresh start,
so he's decided to have nothing to
do with his old school.
It might be best if you
don't come round again.
I'm sure you can understand.
Oh, of course.
God bless you, then.
Give him my best.
We're late.
Hang on.
You OK, mate?
I can't be your
confirmation sponsor.
I don't believe in God. I'm sorry.
That's OK.
I'll do it.
But I wanted you to have this.
Mum gave it to me
at my confirmation.
Thank you.
Your Mum would be
very proud of you.
Come on, let's go inside.
Yes?
Bishop Quaid?
What are you doing here?
Well, it's my
daughter's confirmation,
so I thought I'd come and offer
my congratulations to you too.
Archbishop,
isn't that right, in a few years?
Then Cardinal?
The Church doesn't have
to go down this path.
It's better than this.
I feel you're a
better man than this.
You don't know me.
Alice Kelly and I have
spoken to a lawyer.
This is not over.
You have no idea what I'm
up against. You cannot win.
Why don't you go, hmm?
Walk out of here.
You have before.
Not this time.
You see you're wrong.
This is my Church.
And I'm gonna fight for it.
My dear children of God,
I now invite you to repeat your
wish to be the strong and perfect
soldiers of Christ this sacrament
of confirmation calls you to be.
Do you reject Satan?
I do.
And all his empty promises?
I do.
Do you believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
I do.
Therese, be sealed with
the gift of salvation.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Peace be with you.
And with you.
Keep going.
Come on. Come on, slow poke.
Keep going.
Come on.
OK, almost there. Keep going.
No peeking.
You ready?
Yeah.
Congratulations.
Yay, Bridie.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, they mentioned Peter, in
the Prayers of the Faithful today.
Thank you for telling me that.
Cut the cake? Yeah, go for it.
Wait, wait.
Actually, wait for everyone else.
Do you want a lemonade?
Yes, please.
I'm sorry I couldn't
be there today.
That's OK. You're here now.
Come on, make a wish.
It's mine. It's my party.
What are you going to wish for?
Eyes closed.
Dad!
Please just let me cut the cake.
Dad, come on. They won't let
me cut the cake without you.
Just... just some of the icing.
Just anything. Thanks.
Hello, Father.