Former Christian Brothers schools to compensate victims of clerical abuse
The Christian Brothers, after previously claiming they lacked funds, have agreed to compensate victims of historical clerical sexual abuse through a revised scheme with Edmund Rice Education Australia. The order had transferred several valuable school properties to a separate trust for a nominal fee, but now acknowledges a liability of approximately $774 million despite having $216 million in assets. The 61 schools under the Edmund Rice network will continue operating while the compensation plan is finalized and approved by the court.
- ▪The Christian Brothers transferred assets such as St Kevin’s College, St Joseph’s College, and Parade College to Edmund Rice Education Australia for $1 each in 2015.
- ▪Edmund Rice Education Australia announced a revised compensation scheme to fully address victims' claims.
- ▪Legal filings estimate the order owes $774 million to survivors, though it holds only $216 million in assets.
- ▪The compensation scheme is expected to take six to eight weeks to document before creditor voting and court approval.
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