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Crimes of the Cross

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

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Crimes of the Cross

By: Anne Manne
Narrated by: Fiona Macleod
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About this listen

2024 Nib Literary Award, Long-listed

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 audiobook, 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.

2024, Nib Literary Award, Long-listed

2024, Australian Political Book of the Year, Long-listed

2024, Walkley Book Award, Short-listed

2025, The Age Book of the Year Award Non-Fiction, Short-listed

2025, Sisters in Crime Davitt Awards Adult Non-Fiction, Short-listed

©2024 Anne Manne (P)2024 Bolinda Publishing Social Sciences True Crime Violence in Society Crime

Critic Reviews

'A unique story of pain and triumph told superbly by Anne Manne, who follows victims of abuse as they shatter an old alliance between leading citizens of Newcastle and its Anglican cathedral on the hill which for decades protected brazen paedophile priests. In all the writing of the last few years about clerical child abuse, there’s nothing like Crimes of the Cross.' (David Marr, Australian journalist and author)
All stars
Most relevant  
This account of the events that shattered lives in Newcastle's Anglican Church for years is disturbing, illuminating, and hopefully an aid to healing for those survivors who were exploited and shamed in multiple ways. An important account of one man's story.

The Breadth and Depth of Evil

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Seems terribly odd to say what a marvelous read, couldn’t put it down and hated it to end. Given the true story and nature of the book. But this book is written and read in such a brilliant manner I recommend it as important reading and praise everyone involved especially the writer.

Brilliant and heartbreaking

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Thank you for telling Steve’s story, which is absolutely shocking and heartbreaking. I crossed paths with Steve as a youngster when he was working with the YMCA. I had no idea of the abuse he had been subjected to only a few years earlier. I’ve given 4 stars for the performance because as a Novocastrian I couldn’t help but notice that the narrator mispronounced several suburb names, namely Minmi, Wallsend and Awaba.

Enlightening

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Thankyou Steven for sharing your story and Anne for the way in which you tell it!

Emotional

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Clear summary of key events and their impacts on victim-survivors told in a way that highlights the resilience of victim-survivors in telling their stories and the need for culture change within the church and society more broadly.

Clear overview of events and implications

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Well done Ann Manne and all involved in the writing of this true piece of historical brutality , writing the truth and exposing the worst crimes against children, and adults alike.
I cried, I smiled but most of all I celebrated the exposure of these insufferable oxygen thieves.
Steven Smith is a true hero in my eyes.

Faultless truth

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