The Christian Brothers religious order has secured a legal moratorium on current and future civil lawsuits from abuse survivors, according to court documents filed this week. The organization states it faces imminent insolvency and proposes a scheme involving the sale of remaining properties valued at approximately $217 million to compensate survivors.
Court filings by Brother Gerard John Brady, head of the Christian Brothers Oceania province, reveal that the order deliberately retained nine members convicted of child sex offenses, including one currently imprisoned. The leadership team justified this decision based on what members describe as religious obligations. The organization teaches that it has responsibilities under canon law to provide care for all members and views ongoing support for offenders as consistent with Gospel teachings. The order also contends that maintaining offenders within the congregation allows for behavioral monitoring and access to treatment that might otherwise be unavailable if individuals were released into the general community.
Brady stated in court documents that removing offenders would create financial burdens for taxpayers and society broadly. He argued that retaining offenders under the organization’s oversight better protects the public than alternative arrangements. The affidavit acknowledges that survivors and community members may perceive such support as prioritizing offender interests over victim concerns, though the order maintains it balances both considerations.
Documents also indicate that Brady met with representatives of the Holy See beginning six months before the insolvency declaration to request financial assistance, citing the province’s severe financial difficulties. No funding was provided through these channels. The Christian Brothers estimates that approximately $540 million in property has been transferred over the past decade to Edmund Rice Education Australia, a separate entity created to operate former Christian Brothers schools. Property records show these transfers included multimillion-dollar residences sold at nominal prices. The Christian Brothers has stated it will not attempt to prevent survivors from pursuing legal action against Edmund Rice Education Australia.
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