The former Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders, appeared in an Australian court on Monday. He pleaded not guilty to 28 criminal charges, including two counts of rape and 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault. Saunders, 74, denied all charges that initially surfaced in 2020 and allegedly occurred between 2008 and 2016. Church officials launched Read more
Australia’s Catholic bishops have approved a liturgy which incorporates elements of Aboriginal language and culture. A motion was passed at the plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in Sydney on Tuesday approving the Mass of the Land of the Holy Spirit (Missa Terra Spiritus Sancti) for use in the Diocese of Broome in Read more
Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders, 74, is facing two fresh charges of indecent assault relating to incidents that allegedly happened eight years ago. These new charges add to his existing legal battle comprising 26 charges, including sexual penetration without consent, indecent dealing with a child, and unlawful and indecent assault. WA Police confirmed a Read more
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
The Holy See has initiated a canonical investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders. In a rare statement released on Saturday night, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said a Vos Estis Lux Mundi investigation was underway. “The Holy See has initiated a canonical investigation into former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders, with Read more
The bishop of Broome, Western Australia, Christopher Saunders, has voluntarily stepped down after the Vatican ordered a review into the Broome diocese. The review was announced during an ongoing police investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct against Saunders. The allegation was made 18 months ago and involve claims that Saunders sexually abused boys several Read more