Emeritus Bishop Christopher Saunders, once a revered figure within the Australian Catholic Church, has been arrested and charged with a series of historical sexual offences, including rape and abuse against minors. The former Bishop of Broome was taken into custody in Western Australia on Wednesday, highlighting a shocking turn in a saga that has been under investigation by both the police and the Vatican.
At 74 years old, Saunders stands accused of two counts of rape, 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and three counts of indecently dealing with a child. His arrest comes after a resurgent police investigation was informed by a 200-page report from a historic Vatican inquiry, which had been commissioned by Pope Francis under the auspices of the Vos Estis Lux Mundi directive, a measure introduced in 2019 to address sexual abuse within the church.
Saunders’ charges resonate with distressing gravity, as they place him as one of the most senior Catholic officials in Australia to face child sexual offences, following Cardinal George Pell, who was also imprisoned on similar charges before his convictions were overturned. Saunders’ initial denial of any wrongdoing led to the closure of the first police investigation without charges. He voluntarily resigned from his position in 2020, retaining, however, his emeritus status.
The Bishop’s career had been long and significant; he was first ordained in 1976 and had spent the majority of his pastoral work in the Kimberley region’s remote communities. Known for his social and advocacy work and for leading young men on outdoor excursions, Saunders held a prominent and influential presence in the northwest corner of Australia.
In a statement released by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, the charges were described as “very serious and deeply distressing, especially for those making those allegations.” Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe affirmed the necessity of a thorough investigation into the allegations, stating, “It is right and proper, and indeed necessary, that all such allegations be thoroughly investigated.”
Relevant articles:
– Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been charged with rape and a string of sex offences – some against children.
– Former bishop Christopher Saunders charged with sex crimes in Australia, FRANCE 24 English, Thu, 22 Feb 2024 03:54:47 GMT
– Christopher Saunders: Former Bishop of Broome charged with rape in Australia, BBC, Thu, 22 Feb 2024 02:01:26 GMT
– Christopher Saunders: Senior Australian bishop charged with rape, The Independent, Thu, 22 Feb 2024 04:50:52 GMT