Geoffrey Robinson (bishop)

Lore & Background

Robinson was ordained for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney in 1960 and earned advanced degrees in philosophy, theology and canon law. He taught canon law at the Catholic Institute of Sydney from 1967 until 1983, served as chief justice of the archdiocesan marriage tribunal, and was president of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand. He also chaired the Sydney Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Board and the Australian Catholic Education Commission for New South Wales. In 1984, he was named an auxiliary bishop of Sydney.

In May 2002, Robinson called on Pope John Paul II to commission a church-wide study of clerical sex abuse. After retiring in July 2004 due to health issues, he published 'Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church' in 2007, which was praised by Bishop Pat Power as a brave exposition of root causes of abuse. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference issued a statement critical of the book in May 2008, questioning its views on church authority. Robinson replied with his 'Reflections on US Tour and Response to the Australian Bishops' Conference Statement'.

In 2012, Robinson spoke at the Seventh National Symposium on Catholicism & Homosexuality and at a VOTF Bridgeport conference. On 4 June 2013, together with Bishops Bill Morris and Pat Power, he launched a worldwide petition calling for an ecumenical council inclusive of the laity to address sexual abuse and systemic issues. He died from cancer on 29 December 2020.

Reader's Guide

Geoffrey Robinson's significance lies in his persistent, public efforts to address clerical sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, often at odds with church authorities. His 2002 call for a church-wide study predated many later reforms. His 2007 book 'Confronting Power and Sex in the Catholic Church' argued that systemic issues—such as clericalism, obligatory celibacy, and secrecy—contributed to abuse, sparking both support and official criticism. The 2013 petition for an ecumenical council, co-launched with two other bishops, sought to involve laity in reform. Robinson's legacy is that of a bishop who used his position to advocate for transparency and structural change, even when it drew rebuke from his episcopal conference. His work remains a reference point for discussions on church governance and accountability.

Did You Know?

• Robinson called on Pope John Paul II in May 2002 to commission a church-wide study of clerical sex abuse.
• He co-launched a worldwide petition on 4 June 2013 calling for an ecumenical council inclusive of the laity to address sexual abuse.
• The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference issued a statement critical of his 2007 book, questioning its views on church authority.
• He served as chief justice of the archdiocesan marriage tribunal and president of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand.