“The Church suspended its legal processes when the police investigation began, resumed them after police initially indicated they could not proceed, and suspended them again when police reopened their enquiries,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“With the trial now concluded, the Church investigation can recommence. Its findings will inform decisions in Rome about Christopher Saunders’ position in the Church, while the Diocese of Broome will determine any future financial or other support.”
Archbishop Costelloe said the jury’s guilty verdict concerned crimes “that violate the dignity and betray the trust of victims and survivors”.
“These crimes betray everything the Gospel and the Catholic Church stand for and deserve the strongest condemnation,” he said.
“As Bishop of Broome Tim Norton has said, the victims, survivors and other witnesses who came forward showed great courage and resilience throughout a long and difficult process. The Catholic community in Broome, across Western Australia and throughout Australia owes them a great debt of gratitude.
“Abuse thrives in secrecy. The courage of those who expose it enables accountability and begins the process of healing. The persistence of the Western Australia Police Force was also crucial in bringing this matter to trial.”
Archbishop Costelloe joined Bishop Norton in apologising to everyone harmed.
“We are deeply sorry for the hurt and shame they have endured, and that it has taken so long for their voices to be heard and their pain acknowledged. We will do all we can to reach out in hope and healing,” he said.
“The offences are against both civil and Church law. Criminal penalties will be determined by the presiding judge at sentencing, while the Church’s process will proceed independently.”
Archbishop Costelloe said complaints against bishops and other senior Church leaders must be managed by independent bodies, not other bishops, and Church investigations must pause while formal police enquiries are under way.
“Both protocols were followed in this case so the allegations could be examined objectively, transparently and independently of the Church. Church authorities in Western Australia cooperated fully with police throughout the process,” he said.
Archbishop Costelloe said the questions raised by the case confronted not only the Diocese of Broome but the whole Church in Australia.
“It is distressing, demoralising and humbling that we continue to confront such dreadful failures,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“The sexual abuse crisis is not behind us. We must remain vigilant, uphold the highest safeguarding standards and continue the work still required.”
Reproduced with permission by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
