The Christian Brothers has secured a moratorium on all current and future civil claims by child abuse survivors, throwing dozens of pending trials into chaos and halting hundreds more cases. Court documents reveal that the Catholic order deliberately kept nine convicted child abusers, including one currently incarcerated, as members of its religious order, citing a "Gospel imperative" to "care for all Brothers" and "the needy."
Moratorium on abuse claims
On Thursday, the Christian Brothers obtained a moratorium on all civil claims by abuse survivors, disrupting numerous pending trials and freezing hundreds of additional cases. The order claims it is on the verge of bankruptcy and cannot afford to meet survivors' claims. Instead, it proposes a scheme to sell off its remaining property, valued at approximately $217 million, and distribute the proceeds to survivors.
Court documents reveal details
An affidavit filed by Brother Gerard John Brady, head of the Christian Brothers Oceania province, stated that the order has about 176 brothers in Australia, nine of whom are convicted child sex offenders, with one currently imprisoned. More brothers have been accused of child abuse. Brady said the leadership team decided to keep them in the order, asserting that dismissal is not always appropriate. "Accommodating known sex-offenders in the wider community following their discharge remains a difficult issue for society," he said. The leadership believes the order has obligations to both the community and the offender, and that offenders would become a "burden for taxpayers" if moved out.
Gospel imperative cited
Brady explained that the leadership team views it as their responsibility to "care for the needy" and has an obligation under canon law to care for all brothers. "We accept that this philosophy requires us to continue contact with and support of those found to have committed serious criminal offences. We see this as a Gospel imperative," he said. He acknowledged that victims may interpret this as preferring offenders over victims but stressed that support does not undermine seeking justice or protecting survivors. He added that keeping offenders within the congregation allows monitoring of behavior and support for treatment, which he believes better protects society.
Financial dealings with Holy See
The affidavit also reveals that Brady met with representatives from the Holy See in January to seek financial support, warning of the province's severe financial position and impending insolvency. However, no financial assistance was forthcoming. The order has also sought support from Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), an entity created in 2007 that now runs former Christian Brothers schools. Property records show vast land holdings were transferred to EREA over the past decade, including multimillion-dollar homes in Sydney, such as a five-bedroom Strathfield home worth an estimated $4.7 million, transferred for $1. The Christian Brothers estimates the property transfers are worth $540 million, though EREA documents suggest the value is $891 million. EREA has stated it will not sell off properties to help the Christian Brothers, but the order says it will not stop survivors from suing EREA.
For support, in Australia contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. In the UK, contact NSPCC on 0800 1111 or 0808 800 5000, or Napac on 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text Childhelp on 800-422-4453.
