Crimes of the Cross

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

By: Anne Manne

Narrated by: Fiona Macleod

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 (aka 'The Nib': CAL Waverley Library Award for Literature), Long-listed

2024, Australian Political Book of the Year Award, 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

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)

Astonishing

This book took my breath away and left me with a pit in my stomach. The author, Anne Manne did an incredible job with marticulous research and presented the material with a level of professionalism and profound dignity and compassion to the survivors. I was horrified to realize that my childhood involved several of the perpetrators examined in this story. It will take me a long time to digest it all but I am grateful that this book has been released. It is hard to reconcile organized religion given the atrocities throughout the ages and now this in my lifetime. I can no longer call myself an Anglican. Please read this book and continue to critically examine the institutions and people who have access to our children. Congratulations Anne for shining a light on this darkness.