NZ-born bishop stands aside from ministry

The Archdiocese of Sydney issued a statement on July 1 that it had received notice of a civil claim of historical abuse, with Auxiliary Bishop Richard Umbers identified as the claim’s subject.

“Bishop Umbers emphatically denies the allegation,” the archdiocese said, adding it had notified the authorities about the complaint. The statement added that New South Wales Police had confirmed that there is no active investigation at this time.

“In conformity with the archdiocesan protocol for managing safeguarding complaints and relevant legislation, Bishop Umbers has agreed to stand aside from public ministry while this allegation is investigated,” the archdiocese said.

Bishop Umbers, a member of Opus Dei, was appointed as a Sydney auxiliary bishop in 2016.

Having graduated with a bachelor of economics from the University of Sydney and a masters of management from the University of Waikato, he worked for a time at Waitakere City Council.

He later completed a doctorate in philosophy. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2002.

FULL STORY

Statement from Father Sam Lynch (Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney)

Bishop Richard Umbers’ Biography (Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney)