Crimes of the Cross: The Anglican Paedophile Network of Newcastle, Its Protectors and the Man Who Fought for Justice

by Anne Manne

A searing expose of institutional child abuse, and the remarkable story of the survivors who would not be silenced

For many years, Newcastle was the centre of an extensive paedophile network run by members of the Anglican church -- and protected by parishioners and community members who looked the other way.

In this gripping book, Anne Manne reveals how this network was able to avoid detection for so long, and how its ringleaders were finally exposed and brought to justice. At the centre of the story is a survivor, Steve Smith, who endured years of childhood abuse but refused to be silenced.

Drawing on extensive research and interviews with survivors, clergy, police and others, Manne explores how the network operated and how it became entrenched in the upper echelons of Newcastle society. She offers deep insights into the minds and strategies of abusers, and pays tribute to the victims and their tireless struggle for justice. Child sexual abuse has previously been thought of as an individual crime; Manne pioneers an examination of it as part of a network.

This is an unforgettable study of courage and faith in the face of unthinkable evil.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Crime

438 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2024

About the author

Anne Manne is a Melbourne writer. She has been a regular columnist for the Australian and the Age. More recently her essays on contemporary culture such as child abuse, pornography, gendercide and disability have all appeared in The Monthly magazine. Her essay ‘Ebony: The Girl in the Room’ was included in The Best Australian Essay’s: A Ten Year Collection. Her book, Motherhood: How should we care for our children, was a finalist in the Walkley Award for Best Non-Fiction Book of 2006. She has written a Quarterly Essay, ‘Love and Money: The family of the Free Market’ and a memoir, So this is Life: Scenes from a country childhood.
- Taken from The Life of I: The New Culture of Narcissism

Reviews

[Jim KABLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deservèd Downfall. where are the supporters of Graeme Lawrence now?

Anne Manne and Steve Smith and all the other victims, including sadly those who took their own lives - vindicated. The forensic and compassionate manner in which Anne Manne has told Steve’s story and then built up her case against bishops and deans and “Fathers” and reverends leaves no doubt as to the criminal abuse wrought by the paedophile priests and their protectors. A number of the names I recognised including that of Laurie Tabart - I wonder where he is these days - I have my own stories about him - pompous and aloof both when he was with the Hunter History Teachers Association and later somehow in charge of the Japanese Teaching Program being implemented in the region. He had no apparent qualifications for the role. In fact when I think of him a certain parson character from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice comes to mind…So I wonder to myself if he was in any way complicit with the Lawrence mob or merely smugly self-assuredly deluded/naïve? This is an absolute must read for anyone in the Newcastle region or indeed anyone in Australia. Jim Kable

[Sandy Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking, sobering, stomach-turning. An important but difficult book exposing institutional child-sexual abuse rings among Newcastle Anglicans and the ways it was excused, overlooked, minimised, disbelieved. It made me ashamed to bear the name ‘Anglican’ and often had me tearing up.

It works well to tell the story with a special focus on survivor and hero, Stephen Smith, alongside other heroes like Michael Elliott, John Cleary, Jeff Little. Astonishing courage and persistence for justice from Smith and also, remarkably, retaining an ability to forgive when genuine sorrow was demonstrated by those who realised their duty of care had failed.

To me, the most striking sentence and probably one of the most important that I read was this, which the author cited from Gavin de Becker, explaining grooming: “We must learn and teach our children niceness does not equal goodness.”

[foamoftheocean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very difficult to read due to the contents, but was very informative and detailed. Horrifying to read of the crimes, and the timeline was well structured and easy to understand.

[Mary Torney-Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fantastic book. Well researched. It makes you feel very emotional for the victims and how the church handled their complaints about their abuse.

[Sharon Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shockingly awful, but vital expose. A reminder of one of the reasons I do the work I do.

[Stu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrifyingly important

[Caity Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult to read & at times made me ashamed to be associated with the Anglican Church. Once they finally did the right thing and got independent people in to actually investigate the awful crimes being committed in the church, it was heart-warming to read of Steve's recovery with each small victory, and hearing about him blooming into this incredible person who could finally emerge from the hurt, scared and disillusioned man the church had made him become.

[Katie Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely stunning expose centred around the personal story of Steve, a loveable survivor who shows great courage. The telling of Steve’s journey ensures that the book never becomes too academic or intellectual despite the obvious in-depth research. As a trauma psychologist myself I felt the author did a great job explaining the impact of trauma as well as the psychodynamics of organised abuse. If I could give 6 stars, I would!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that the Catholics had plumbed the depths with their offending but I think that the Anglicans beat them in the cover-up stakes.

Reading Crimes of the Cross by Anne Manne I am aghast at not only the abuse but at the depth of the coverup. The abuse is similar to that described in the Catholic Church but the Newcastle Anglicans had it all over them in the width of the problem, from priests to the Dean of Newcastle Cathedral to the parish laity who were holding positions of power. Stories of wheel nuts being loosened on the car of a victim, vandalism and arson at homes of those supporting the victims to the point that parish investigators needed bodyguards.

Meetups of Anglican priests with Catholic paedophile priests were arranged, priests were lying in court to protect their mates, documents were hidden, children were 'borrowed' by paedophiles for weekends or holidays from a Newcastle children's home, and amazingly ‘men’s and boys sex parties’ and a BDSM dungeon existed involving Anglican priests along with their Catholic counterparts, sometimes six or seven priests using the facility at the one time. The last half dozen chapters just blew me away. Many of the priests never suffered for their actions, dying before police became interested in their sins and before the Royal Commission exposed them. Perhaps the saddest case is of a boy who finally got the courage to report his treatment to an Anglican helpline, only to have his call taken by a paedophile.

[David Allwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Catholic and Anglican Churches have become exposed for extensive crimes of paedophilia and sexual abuse in recent decades. In particular, the Anglican Church in Newcastle has a reputation as the most notorious in Australia with a complex network of child sexual serial abusers. In her book, ‘Crimes of the Cross’, Anne Manne covers the extensive crimes of this depraved network of Anglican Peadaphiles through the personal experiences of courageous survivor, Steve Smith. These appalling crimes and the long pursuit of justice is difficult to read and so are the sickening cover-ups and staunch denials by parishioners, local business people, and Anglican insiders. The book is at its best when narrating the core story, and loses focus occasionally when digressing, but overall the book is well researched and the complex story is well documented. Books such as this are necessary and historic in that we must understand and remember these depraved crimes and injustices and be vigilant in preventing any future recurrences. And if such crimes were to occur on this scale again, at least we can hope to recognise cover ups and to ensure justice is properly, efficiently, and fully implemented.

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's only a few weeks since I finished Louise Milligan's Cardinal, about the sack of sewage that was Catholic priest, George Pell. But I am an equal opportunity reader so moved straight into this expose of the sexual abuse of children in the Anglican Church, specifically the diocese of Newcastle. Both houses of God not only tolerated decades of children being raped by men of the cloth, they both went to extreme lengths, including vilifying the victims, to cover up their crimes, far more intent on protecting the name of their churches than the children being abused. It's sickening, & enfuriating, as you might expect. But long overdue. Sadly, the Catholic Church recently avoided millions, if not billions, of dollars in compensation to the victims of paedophile priests by convincing the court that it bore no responsibility for the crimes of those priests as it doesn't, technically, employ them. They are employed by ... wait for it ... God. FFS.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Insert expletives directed towards absolute pieces of trash who hide behind the title of “religion”, and those who protect and enable them.**

What a spectacular achievement in exposing the sickening and corrupt stronghold of child abusers and their ilk, that excuse themselves in the name of the Anglican Church, and Christianity broadly.

I approached this book as a Catholic, knowing (in a very general sense) about historical sexual abuse perpetrated and allowed within our church, however I had no idea of the damage and pain caused by the Anglican Church too.

The writing in this book is sharp and profound. Not only does it give survivors their voice back, but they are amplified; confident. I hope survivors can and do continue to flourish, with authors such as Anne Manne fighting the good fight.

[Anita Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW !! I have just finished “Crimes of the Cross” by Anne Manne. What an incredibly well written book! I’m honestly appalled at what went on back in the 80s and 90s ( mostly in Newcastle and the Hunter ) . The book is very confronting, and heartbreaking.

I am blown away by the courage of Steve, who thankfully stood up and spoke out to bring these attocities to light — even when it meant reliving horrible memories , facing threats, attacks and relentless pressure to stay silent. He didn’t back down. Most would ! So detemined ! I have so much respect for that.

And to his wife Rachel ( my school friend ) , I see you with new eyes. You were such an amazing support behind the scenes throughout . I have no doubt your support helped this all come out! You’re an amazing person !!

To anyone who hasn’t read it yet — please do. It’s a powerful reminder of why truth matters.

[Tom J · Rating 5 out of 5]

an astonishing, urgent, fantastic book. the anglican church has hidden for years in the bad press that the catholics have received, while being just as culpable for the same type of crimes. easily the best book i've read this year, one that is based on the survivors and which shows a clear respect for their wishes. compare this to the execrable "fallen" by lucie morris-marr, which spends half the book actively antagonising victims and half the book self aggrandising how great she is for writing it. a perfect example of how to write this kind of book without denigrating the subject matter by making it about yourself

[Belynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I wish had never been written. I wish it because I wish these horrible events had never happened.
These are the worst of crimes done to completely innocent children and they were victimised over and over again. First by priests then by newspapers , police, courts and neighbours.

It is essential that these stories are read so we can make sure this society never goes back into a world of ‘don’t tell’.

[D Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly blew my mind. It was emotionally challenging to read, and I found myself needing to pause multiple times because of the harrowing experiences of the victims and the profound injustice within the Australian justice system. I’m grateful that changes have been made since then, but it’s heartbreaking to realize that it took half a century to reach this point. This should never have been the case.

The case is thoroughly researched, exceptionally well-written, and easy to navigate.

[Samantha Bones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to recommend due to its harrowing descriptions of sexual abuse of children by members of the Anglican Church in the Newcastle diocese, but at the same time I feel that it is a ‘must read’ for everyone.
The book is incredibly well researched, following mainly the story of one survivor,but also weaving in the stories of others, including some who did not survive the horrific abuse and equally shocking mistreatment when they attempted to report this abuse.
I don’t think I’ve ever read or heard of a more toxic organisation than that depicted in this book. Unbelievable!

[Timothy Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in depth analysis into the paedophile rings within Christian churches in Australia. A very good insight into how grooming & narcissists kept the clergy safe from prosecution. Well written and full credit to the survivors brave enough to share their stories

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the emotional aspects are clearer when they're laid out by the facts. Anne has done this so well. The frameworks that allowed this to happen should be understood by all, especially vulnerable families and young people.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly disturbing book. Yet so important. The author did a great job investigating. It’s sick and disgustingly wrong what the Anglican Church and their priests did. All my sympathy goes to the survivors. Steve you are so strong!! Every Australian should know about this matter.

[Simon Risson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly difficult, profound and necessary read.

[SFM · Rating 5 out of 5]

would give it 10 stars if I could

[Charlie Bland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hideous story, a fearless account.

[Carol Musgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrifying detailed account of the exposure and bringing to justice of the Anglican paedophile network in Newcastle...riveting read...

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant but difficult material to read. Sad.

[Sarah Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply sobering read that shares the harrowing stories of child SA. Many of the accounts highlight incredible strength and resilience.

[Hannah Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

So sick and sad this happened!

[Trudy Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an eye opener…

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart-wrenching investigation into institutional abuse, corruption and the gaslighting of victims at the highest levels of power in the Anglican Church. A criminal NETWORK that covered up their crimes and did more. The brave and courageous survivors who never gave up the long pursuit for justice and who were also able to forgive is incredibly inspiring.