Statement of Father Jan Rossey, Abbot of Caldey Abbey

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I have read in the review of the great suffering of children who were abused by Father Thaddeus Kotik and the closed culture of secrecy and cover-up which kept this hidden.

It is clear opportunities were missed to stop the abuse of children. It is particularly heartbreaking to hear children spoke up to adults and no action was taken.

Children and their families were failed when they should have been supported and listened to. The abuses should have been reported to the statutory authorities.

On behalf of the monastic community, I sincerely apologise to all those who have been hurt and have suffered because of the abuse of Thaddeus Kotik and past failures in not protecting children and their families. It is particularly odious when abuse is committed and hidden by people who are in positions of trust because of their monastic or priestly vocation.

Since becoming the new Abbot on Caldey Island in 2023 I have been determined to create a culture of openness and transparency. I want to take ownership and responsibility for past failings. I want to ensure we learn lessons from the mistakes in the past and create a safer environment for everyone.

It is for these reasons that I commissioned an independent review into historical claims of child abuse on the island. The first step to healing is listening. It is important that those who may have been harmed in any way have a voice and are heard.

Since becoming Abbot, I have ensured that many safeguarding improvements have been put in place. These are detailed in the review. I have also reached out through Jan Pickles OBE to everyone who gave evidence offering to meet with them in person to apologise, to offer support and to thank them for their courage.

I thank everyone who bravely came forward to give evidence of their experience to the Review and I promise that I will do my utmost to prevent abuse from ever happening again on Caldey Island.

Father Jan Rossey

Abbot of Caldey Abbey

Caldey Island, Off Tenby, Pembrokeshire, SA70 7UH