The Christian Brothers religious order has obtained a moratorium on civil claims from abuse survivors, according to court filings made on Thursday. The organization states it faces imminent insolvency and proposes to liquidate approximately $217 million in remaining property to compensate survivors of abuse.
An affidavit from Brother Gerard John Brady, head of the Christian Brothers Oceania province, details the organization’s decision to retain nine convicted child sex offenders within its membership, including one currently incarcerated. The affidavit outlines the leadership team’s rationale for this decision, citing obligations under canon law to provide care for all members, a belief that maintaining offenders within the congregation allows for behavioral monitoring and treatment support, and concerns about burdening the broader community and taxpayers if offenders were released without institutional support.
Brady stated the organization views support for offenders as consistent with Gospel teachings regarding care for vulnerable populations, while acknowledging that survivors and the wider community may perceive such support as prioritizing offender interests over victim protections. The affidavit indicates the leadership team maintains responsibility for monitoring offender behavior and facilitating access to treatment programs.
Court documents also reveal that Brady met with representatives of the Holy See beginning in January to request financial assistance as the Oceania province faced severe financial difficulties. The affidavit indicates no financial support resulted from these discussions. The organization has similarly approached Edmund Rice Education Australia, an entity created in 2007 that operates former Christian Brothers schools and has received substantial property transfers valued between $540 million and $891 million over the past decade, though EREA has stated it will not liquidate these assets to assist the Christian Brothers.
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