Posts Tagged ‘Bishop of Broome’

Bishop Christopher Saunders granted bail on sex offence charges

Monday, February 26th, 2024
Bishop Christopher Saunders

Christopher Saunders, a 74-year-old retired former Catholic bishop of Broome, appeared in the Broome Magistrates court on Thursday facing multiple charges. The BBC reports he has been charged with rape and a string of historical sexual offences, some against children. Saunders pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was granted bail. Saunders will appear again Read more

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Australian bishop

Monday, August 30th, 2021
Australian bishop resignation

The Vatican has accepted the resignation of a long-serving Australian Catholic Bishop, leaving the future of its investigation into his conduct unclear. A statement released overnight by the Holy See read, “The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Broome, Australia, presented by Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders”. Saunders’ Read more

Bishop of Broome not being prosecuted over sexual misconduct allegations

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

Police and prosecutors have decided not to file criminal charges against the Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders over allegations of sexual misconduct. This decision comes just days before the Catholic Church deadline to decide Saunders’ future. The Vatican started a separate, internal investigation into his management of the diocese. He was then sent on a Read more

Accused Australian bishop may return to ministry

Monday, April 12th, 2021

Tensions are building over whether the Vatican will allow a bishop accused of sexual misconduct and bullying to return to his diocese. The move is seen to possibly setting an international precedent. Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders was sent on a six-month sabbatical in November. The ABC reports that the Vatican has used this time Read more

Bishop of Broome on leave after sexual misconduct allegations

Monday, November 30th, 2020
Broome sexual misconduct allegations

The Bishop of Broome, who is at the centre of a police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, has taken a sabbatical. Bishop Christopher Saunders will take six months leave away from his outback diocese, effective immediately. No charges have been laid, and Bishop Saunders has strenuously denied the allegations. The Vatican says the bishop’s Read more