Christian Brothers Criticised Over Child Abuse

Child abuse allegations were made against 325 members of one Catholic diocese in Ireland over a 38-year period but just 12 were convicted, an audit has found.

A review found the Christian Brothers' initial response to the need to report abuse to the authorities was not systematic and was inadequate.

It revealed allegations were made against a total of 325 Christian Brothers - only 50 of whom are still alive - with 870 complaints of abuse in the 38-year period, all of which have been reported to the authorities.

It is one of many reports into how Catholic diocese and religious orders in Ireland manage abuse allegations against priests by The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church, which was set up to monitor child protection in the church.

In the Christian Brothers, the inspection board said one brother was returned to ministry after an allegation and only 12 brothers were convicted of offences against children.

It described the level of abuse from members of the order as substantial.

The report stated: "The number of convictions by the courts, compared to the numbers accused of child abuse, is significantly small."

The board has been analysing records of allegations against religious members from 1975 to the present day.

Since internal reviews in 2007 and 2009, the safeguarding board said it is now satisfied that reports are made promptly.

The Christian Brothers have said they accept that a safeguarding deficit existed in the past.

In a statement the religious order said: "We want to learn from the mistakes of the past and to create a safe environment for all children and young adults."

Another report found that in the Armagh Archdiocese, run by Ireland’s most senior Catholic cleric Cardinal Sean Brady, the audit warned that it found little information on the receipt and management of allegations before 1995.

The report found Cardinal Brady, on taking up his role as Primate of All-Ireland in 1996, made a "commendable decision to gather and document whatever information was available".

Cardinal Brady has been heavily criticised in the past for swearing two victims of a paedophile priest to secrecy during an internal church inquiry in 1975.

In a statement he said: "I know that for you, survivors of abuse and your families, days such as today are especially difficult.

"You have suffered terribly and I am truly sorry.

"I pray for you and will work to ensure that you are supported on your journey towards healing and peace."

He added: "While we acknowledge the report's findings that in the past the response was not as prompt, robust and co-ordinated as in the present, we will continue to do all we can to ensure that current high standards of safeguarding practice are maintained."

In preparation for the publication of the board reports, helplines in Ireland for survivors of clerical abuse have extended their opening hours.

:: The Towards Healing group is a free confidential counselling and support service which can be contacted on 1800 303416 from anywhere in Ireland, 0800 0963315 from Northern Ireland and the UK or by email on info@towardshealing.ie

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