Documents obtained by the ABC show the Catholic Church was told about sexual misconduct allegations against a West Australian bishop nearly a year before it responded.
The Catholic Church was told of sexual misconduct allegations against a Western Australian bishop nearly a year before it responded, according to new documents obtained by the ABC.Documents show the Catholic Church was told of sexual misconduct allegations against Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders as early as April 2019
Bishop Christopher Saunders, who has overseen the vast Diocese of Broome for 25 years, remains voluntarily stood aside amidst an ongoing WA Police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The case became public in March, when the Vatican announced a separate internal inquiry into the running of the diocese, which covers the remote parishes of the Kimberley region.
The decision by the Bishop to voluntarily stand aside was announced on March 10, when news broke of the police investigation and the Vatican announced its inquiry.The ABC has confirmed the Bishop has continued in many of his official capacities, including conducting the funeral service of a person in Broome in late June.The Bishop has a loyal following amongst parishioners, and some are requesting he be involved despite the commitment to stand aside.
The ABC contacted local, state and national church representatives in relation to these matters; all either declined to comment or did not respond.Time of change
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