Key facts
- The Christian Brothers has retained nine convicted child abusers within its religious order.
- One of the nine abusers is currently in prison.
- The order claims a "Gospel imperative" to care for "the needy" and its members.
- The Christian Brothers sought financial support from the Holy See but received none.
- The order has obtained a moratorium on abuse claims due to financial insolvency.
- The Christian Brothers plans to sell remaining property valued at approximately $217 million to pay survivors.
The Christian Brothers has deliberately retained nine convicted child abusers, including one currently in prison, within its religious order, citing a "Gospel imperative" to care for "the needy" and all its members. This revelation comes as the order seeks a moratorium on abuse claims due to severe financial distress, proposing to sell its remaining property valued at approximately $217 million to compensate survivors.
An affidavit filed by Brother Gerard John Brady, head of the Christian Brothers Oceania province, stated that the leadership team decided to keep the offenders within the order, believing it is not always appropriate to dismiss them. Brady argued that offenders might become a burden on taxpayers if released into the wider community and that keeping them within the Congregation allows for monitoring and support for treatment, thus protecting society.
The affidavit also detailed that Br Brady met with representatives from the Holy See to seek financial support for the Oceania province's "severe financial position" and expected insolvency. However, no financial assistance was forthcoming. The Christian Brothers have also transferred vast holdings of land, including properties worth millions, to Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), an entity that runs former Christian Brothers schools. These transfers are estimated to be worth $540 million, though EREA's financial documents suggest a higher value. EREA has stated it will not sell these properties to aid the Christian Brothers.