February 23, 2024 / 06:21 PM
Bishop Christopher Saunders, the Bishop Emeritus of Broome, Australia, has been arrested and charged with rape and other charges, based, at least in part, on the findings of a Vatican investigation into allegations of abuse of vulnerable young people. .
Authorities announced Thursday, Feb. 22, that the 74-year-old prelate is being charged with two counts of rape, 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and three counts of indecent treatment of a child as a person in authority. These events would have occurred in the cities of Broome, Kununurra and the Aboriginal community of Kalumburu between 2008 and 2014.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that Bishop Saunders will plead not guilty to the charges against him. On Thursday the prelate was released on bail of approximately $6,500. Broome Magistrates Court ordered her to remain at his home until his court hearing in June.