Our Apology

 We acknowledge and regret that incidents of sexual abuse and assault of innocent and vulnerable children have occurred in institutions conducted by the Christian Brothers. 

We apologise sincerely to the victims of this abuse, and to all those whose lives and hopes have been devastated as a result. 

We will continue to support the provision of care for victims, and we hope that the Royal Commission will help them to move towards the healing of their hurts. We also seek forgiveness and reconciliation. 

We welcome the decision of the Royal Commission to invite those directly or indirectly affected by child sexual abuse to share their experiences and to seek redress. We support the Royal Commission’s intentions to ensure the protection of children from abuse in the future, and to see that institutions working for children act with accountability, integrity and due care. 

While the Christian Brothers and Edmund Rice Education Australia are now separate entities, we share a common history and tradition and we recognise our responsibility to respond to the concerns of the Commission. We also hope to contribute to the Commission’s recommendations for the improvement of policies, practices and systems to protect children in institutions. The Christian Brothers and EREA therefore pledge to collaborate and cooperate with the Commission. 

We shall continue to work for best practice in our own child protection policies and systems for the protection of children, and for the development of a culture of care, compassion and accountability. 

Concerns about sexual abuse experienced in institutions conducted by the Christian Brothers prior to the first of October, 2007 are handled by the Christian Brothers Oceania Province. Concerns about sexual abuse experienced after this date are handled by Edmund Rice Education Australia. 

There are several options for reporting open to victims and others aware of incidents of sexual abuse. As a priority, we urge anyone wishing to report an incident of sexual abuse to refer the matter directly to the police. Alternatively, incidents of sexual abuse may be reported to other statutory authorities, established in each State of the Commonwealth. Contact information for these authorities is provided separately. 

The Catholic Church has established Professional Standards Offices in every diocese in Australia. These offices are staffed by women and men who are skilled in giving advice as to how to report incidents of abuse. School Principals and the Executive Officers of the Christian Brothers Professional Standards Office (the latter may be contacted on (03) 8359 0119), are available to assist anyone wishing to make a report to take it to the appropriate authorities.