Christian Brothers properties have been used to house convicted child sexual abuse offenders, including one brother who preyed on orphans and another who was kept in teaching positions for almost three decades after senior officials became aware of his offending.
The Christian Brothers prompted fury from survivors last month when it declared it was about to go broke, and could no longer afford to meet their claims in court.
Last week, the Guardian revealed that the order had kept nine convicted child abusers as brothers within its order, arguing there was a “Gospel imperative” to “care for all Brothers” and “the needy”, according to court documents.
The documents also show the Christian Brothers’ constitution requires it to provide financial support to current brothers, including by covering housing costs, rates, electricity, gas and water bills, health insurance, reimbursement for medical, dental and physiotherapy, a “Community Living Allowance” of $1,200 per month, the provision of vehicles and associated costs, money for spiritual development, including retreats, as well as some food and entertainment expenses.