Australian bishop jailed for sexually abusing young aboriginal men

Bishop Christopher Saunders, who led the Diocese of Broome in Australia for more than two decades, was sentenced Wednesday to six years and six months in prison for sexually abusing two young aboriginal men.

Judge Martin Flynn of the District Court of Western Australia set a non-parole period of four years and six months, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. Saunders had been in custody since his August conviction.

The jury convicted Saunders of 13 offenses: one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of unlawful and indecent assault. The offenses involved two men. He was not convicted on charges involving a third man. Saunders, 76, pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations.

Flynn noted a statement from one of the victims saying Saunders had violated their autonomy over their body, ABC News reported.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said the sentence and the judgeʼs remarks recognized the gravity of the offenses and their profound impact on the victims and survivors.

“We are sorry for the pain and suffering that was inflicted on you,” Costelloe said in a statement. “We are sorry that your trust was so directly and profoundly betrayed by a leader of the Church.”

Bishop Tim Norton of Broome apologized to the victims and survivors and acknowledged that the sentence could not repair the harm caused. He said the diocese would consult local people about rituals and processes to address anger, loss, confusion, and grief across the diocese.

Saunders stepped aside from governing the Broome Diocese in 2020. Pope Francis accepted his resignation in August 2021.

As EWTN News previously reported, Western Australia Police investigated allegations against Saunders in 2018 but did not initially bring charges.

The Vatican ordered an investigation under Vos Estis Lux Mundi in 2022. It provided the report to civil authorities in 2023, and police reopened their investigation. Police arrested Saunders in February 2024.

After the August verdict, Costelloe said the Churchʼs own investigation could resume and that Rome would determine Saunders’ position in the Church.

The Australian bishops renewed their commitment Wednesday to healing, reconciliation, safeguarding, accountability, and transparency throughout the Church.