Source: The Guardian

BY Eleanor Ainge Roy in Dunedin

A royal commission into abuse in state care in New Zealand has been expanded to include those abused by faith-based institutions such as churches and religious schools, after campaigning by survivors.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there had been overwhelming appeals from those abused by religious institutions since the initial inquiry – the largest in New Zealand’s history – was announced in February.

“Extending the scope was one of the most most strongly argued issues in the consultation process and it is important to this government that we listen to the voices of those victims,” said Ardern. “We’ve got a moral duty here.” The royal commission has received more than 400 submissions on a draft of its terms of reference.

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