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. The order says it is about to go broke and cannot afford to meet claims, proposing instead a scheme to sell off its remaining property worth about $217 million and divide the proceeds among survivors.
Order Keeps Nine Convicted Abusers as Brothers
Court documents reveal the Christian Brothers has deliberately kept nine convicted child abusers, one currently behind bars, as members of its religious order. Brother Gerard John Brady, head of the Christian Brothers Oceania province, stated in an affidavit that the leadership team decided to retain them due to a 'Gospel imperative' to 'care for all Brothers' and 'the needy'.
Brady said dismissal is not always appropriate, arguing that offenders would become a 'burden for taxpayers' if moved into society without financial support. He added that keeping them within the congregation allows monitoring and treatment, protecting society.
Holy See Sought for Financial Support
The affidavit also reveals that Brady met with representatives from the Holy See in January, seeking support as the province faced insolvency. Despite a broader plea to other Catholic institutions, 'no financial support has been forthcoming,' Brady wrote.
The Christian Brothers has also sought support from Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), which runs former Christian Brothers schools. Property records show vast holdings, including multimillion-dollar homes, were transferred to EREA for as little as $1. EREA says it will not sell properties to help the Christian Brothers, but the order says it will not stop survivors suing EREA.
Impact on Survivors
The moratorium has thrown survivors like Curtis, who waited 60 years for justice, into uncertainty as their trials are abandoned. The Christian Brothers estimates property transfers to EREA are worth $540 million, though EREA documents suggest $891 million. Survivors and advocates have expressed outrage at the order's actions.
