(ZENIT News / Broome, Australia 02.26.2024).- Bishop Christopher Saunders, emeritus of Broome, Western Australia, is facing 19 charges of sexual offenses, including two of rape, 14 of indecent assault, and three of indecent dealing with a child as a person in authority. He was arrested and later released on bail, with the order to reside at his home until his next hearing in June 2024. The Catholic Church will fully cooperate with the police and take steps not to compromise the investigation. Following a canonical investigation ordered by Pope Francis, the police opened a new investigation that led to the charges. Saunders will plead not guilty to all allegations.
Here is the statement of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, Archbishop of Perth and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference:
“Allegations against the former Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders are very serious and deeply distressing, especially for those making those allegations.
“It is right and proper, and indeed necessary, that all such allegations be thoroughly investigated.
“The Church will continue to cooperate fully with the police and take every necessary step to avoid any actions which may compromise the integrity and autonomy of the police investigation.”
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