Fr Gerry Iverson, 1937-2012
Gerald Patrick Iverson was born in Albury on January 23, 1937, to Claude Iverson and his wife, Kathleen (nee Curtis).He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and the Christian Brothers, then studied for the priesthood at Springwood and Manly, and completed a doctorate of theology.
In the diocese of Parramatta, Iverson gave himself to a ministry of priests in the house of prayer at Kurrajong. When issues of clergy misconduct and sexual abuse threatened to destroy the parish of Greystanes, Bishop Bede Heather wisely invited Iverson to be its pastor.
For the next 17 years he was the healing pastor, rebuilding trust. He confronted the issues of clergy sexual abuse with great courage and was invited by Robinson to make valuable contributions to the work of professional standards in clergy life.
After Parramatta and a period of further study in Chicago, Iverson was appointed rector of St Patrick's College, Manly, where he nurtured priestly vocations in some turbulent times.
Behind Iverson's public roles were less obvious ministries. He was equally at home as a confidant to church leaders and politicians as he was with visiting fellow priests in prison, a ministry to which he remained faithful to the end. He also had a great capacity to walk with priests who chose to make the second journey into marriage and those who chose other committed relationships.
More in The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/national/obituaries/a-voice-of-healing-and-trust-20120401-1w6b8.html