Retired judge and former Catholic priest Chris Geraghty is on Justinian's couch ... His latest book Dancing with the Devil, traces his painful journey from the priesthood to the bench ... He also faces his own inadequate response to dealing with sexual abuse of a young seminarian by Father Vincent Kiss
Geraghty: painful contemplationChristopher Geraghty, 73, was a NSW District Court judge from 2004 to 2009. Prior to that he spent approximately 10 years on the bench of the Compensation Court.
He hacked his way through the undergrowth of the law under the admissions board regime.
While a student in the 1970s, Geraghty worked in public relations for the Health Commission of NSW (as it then was), drove taxis and later as the legal reporter on Channel 10 Newshour.
After a few years at Ashurst Australia (formerly Blake Dawson), working happily with John McDarra, he went to the Sydney bar. He was junior counsel assisting the Chelmsford Royal Commission, appearing with Brian Donovan QC and Jack O'Reilly QC.
Geraghty had been a Roman Catholic priest attached to the Sydney Archdiocese for about 15 years. He has a doctoral degree in theology from Sydney and a master's degree from Paris, and lectured in theology to students for the priesthood in the Theological Institute of Sydney.
Chris Geraghty is the author of three books, Cassocks in the Wilderness (2001), The Priest Factory (2003) and the more recent publication, Dancing with the Devil, which recounts in revealing detail his often painful journey from the pulpit to the bench.
Recently he appeared on the ABC's 7.30 program. Now he's on Justinian's couch ...
Describe yourself in three words.
A lovable, troublesome ex-priest.
What are you currently reading?
A book on the medieval, Spanish and Roman Inquisition and the development of the Vatican bureaucracy; Rilke's Elegies; and the Gospels.
What's your favourite film?
"Zorba the Greek." I love the interplay between the disciplined control of Apollo and the mad dance of Dionysius.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
Jesus, and after him Irenaeus of Lyon.
What is your favourite piece of music?
Devil Woman rendered with feeling by Marty Robbins.
What is in your refrigerator?
The frozen names of a few ecclesiastical opponents written on recycled paper.
What is your favourite website?
What do you recommend as a hangover cure?
A tongue-lashing, but death is the ultimate cure-all.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
Superlative adjectives and adverbs. They constitute the secret of life.
What is your greatest weakness?
My mind, and speaking it.
Why did you want to be a lawyer?
Like the priesthood, it seemed a good idea at the time - and I was right the second time round.
What are the similarities the Catholic priesthood shares with the judiciary?
Dressing-up in funny gear, honorific titles, and consigning offenders to hell. And people always assume you are a reactionary, Liberal voter.
You have left the Church, but have you left the faith?
I have not left the Church, but I have been reduced to the status of a fringe-dweller out in the paspalum grass, surrounded by bush flies.
Why did you write Dancing with the Devil?
To have my say in old age, and to confront the illiterate clerics in Rome who never answer their mail.
What's your most glamorous feature?
I like to think it's my ears. Ears are undervalued in our community.
If you were a foodstuff, what would you be?
Mashed potato and pumpkin.
What human quality do you most distrust?
Self-proclaimed truthfulness and trustworthiness.
What would you change about Australia?
The flag, the national anthem, removal of the monarchy, outrageous executive salaries, tax laws for super-profits and the super-wealthy, and our toleration of political humbug. Our politicians should be made to answer questions, under torture if needs be.
Whom or what do you consider overrated?
Mankind, and specially old men who love exercising power and controlling other people's lives.
What would your epitaph say?
"Finally Dancing with the Angels."
What comes into your mind when you shut your eyes and think of the word "law"?
The Cardinal Archbishop of Boston now living in protective custody in Rome.