The head of the Anglican Church in Australia says the
reputation of the church is suffering because of continuing speculation over
the future of the Governor General.
There have been calls from several quarters for Dr Peter Hollingworth to step
down after a report strongly criticised his handling of child sex abuse
complaints while he was the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane.
The Primate of the Church in Australia, Peter Carnley, has refused to say
whether Dr Hollingworth should resign because it is a civil, not a religious
matter.
But Dr Carnley says the Prime Minister and the Governor General should resolve
the matter quickly because it is hurting the church.
"The negative publicity that's continued is not very helpful for the
church," he said.
Dr Carnley says he is only prepared to offer his opinion if Dr Hollingworth
asks for his advice.