Churches, govts have failed children: PM

Governments and churches have at times failed to live up to the values of compassion, tolerance and the equal dignity of every human being, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.

Mr Rudd addressed delegates at the annual Australian Christian Lobby national conference in Canberra on Saturday.

During his speech, the prime minister acknowledged the enormous contributions churches had made to Australia's history, which was marked at times by war, depression and political strife.

The churches were always there even during the "quiet years" helping people to go about their everyday lives by providing support to families, communities and schools during times when they need it, Mr Rudd said.

"Of course like governments and other organisations, churches and church institutions have sometimes failed to live up to those values," the prime minister told delegates.

Monday's apology given to the Forgotten Australians was a sharp reminder of that, he said.

Mr Rudd recounted the stories of those men and women who were raised in orphanages and institutions run by the state, churches and charities where there were heart-wrenching stories of neglect and physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

"The truth is, the church and the state failed badly to provide the love and protection that a child needs as he or she grows up.

"And for these grave offences we must both be

sorry."

Mr Rudd said churches now have an important role to play in making those Forgotten Australians the remembered Australians.

During his speech the prime minister, a fan of school chaplains in providing support to children, also confirmed the government would commit to extending the National School Chaplaincy program, which was due to end in late 2010, by another 12 months.

The government will provide $42.8 million towards the program and is consulting further with school communities to determine future options beyond 2011.

Before his speech, Australian Christian Lobby managing director Jim Wallace praised the prime minister for standing by his election commitments on marriage, alcohol, gambling and reconciliation.