Statement by Archbishop Glenn Davies, Metropolitan of New South Wales, on the resignation of Bishop Greg Thompson 

It was with great sadness that I learned today of the resignation of Bishop Greg Thompson from the Diocese of Newcastle.

In the short time of his tenure as Bishop of Newcastle, Greg has displayed remarkable courage, commitment and dedication in seeking to restore justice for the survivors of sexual abuse.

Bishop Thompson has been a champion of this cause, and rightly so, as he has expressed his public and private apologies for the betrayal of trust by some members of the clergy in the Diocese of Newcastle over many years.

His leadership has been exemplary in this regard.

However, it has taken a heavy toll on his health, especially as he himself is a survivor of abuse.

The courage and stand that Bishop Thompson has taken enables the diocese, having faced the past, to shape a healthy future as they seek to elect a new bishop later this year.