Christian Brothers
Item
-
Full name of organisation
-
Christian Brothers
-
Organisation type
-
Community Group
-
Short description
-
The Christian Brothers have been active in Oceania since 1843, expanding their mission to Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Timor Leste, collectively forming the Christian Brothers Oceania Province. They emphasize humility, empathy, and an open heart in their interactions, fostering a search for God that enriches their Catholic faith.
Currently, there are over 250 Christian Brothers in Australia and fewer than 1,000 worldwide, though the order no longer recruits trainee brothers in Australia. The organization has faced significant scrutiny due to cases of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of children in their care across various countries, including Australia. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse documented abuse by Christian Brothers, particularly in Ballarat, leading to convictions and allegations against several members.
In December 2014, a royal commission found that Christian Brothers leaders in Western Australian orphanages were aware of abuse allegations but failed to prevent systemic mistreatment. During the 2016 Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Ballarat, it was revealed that 853 children, averaging 13 years old, had been abused by Christian Brothers. Complaints were filed against 281 brothers, resulting in A$37.3 million in compensation.
Additionally, the Christian Brothers published "Our Boys," a magazine with a Catholic and Irish Nationalist perspective, featuring adventure stories, Irish legends, GAA figures, and Catholic youth organizations. The magazine was published from September 1914 until the 1990s, inspired by British adventure comics like "Boys' Own."
-
Start date
-
1843
-
Group affiliation(s)
-
Christian
-
Gender / Sexuality
-
Key issues
-
Christianity
Kurrawang Aboriginal Christian Centre Incorporated
cb.png
The Ahern Report 1980