Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey says charges against former Broome Bishop ‘deeply distressing’

The historic sex allegations levelled against former Broome bishop, Christopher Saunders, have been described by his successor, Geraldton’s Catholic Bishop Michael Morrissey, as “serious and deeply distressing”. In a statement to the Geraldton Guardian on Thursday, Bishop Morrissey, who became the apostolic administrator for the Broome diocese after Bishop Saunders stood down in 2020, said: “All such allegations must be thoroughly investigated. Of greatest importance is the support and care of those who bring such allegations to light.” Bishop Morrissey also vowed the diocese would continue to fully co-operate with WA Police. “The protection of children and vulnerable adults is the church’s highest priority,” he stated. “I reaffirm my personal commitment, and the commitment of the Diocese of Broome, to providing support and assistance to survivors of abuse and repairing the wrongs of the past.” Bishop Saunders, 74, was arrested on Wednesday at his Broome home and faced court on Thursday charged with two counts of sexual penetration without consent, 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and three counts of person in authority indecently dealing with a child (aged 16 to 18). Some of the allegations date back 50 years. Bishop Saunders was granted bail, indicated not guilty pleas to all charges, and will return to Broome Magistrates Court on June 17. He has been at the centre of a number of investigations over the years, including one by the Vatican. He has always denied any allegations that emerged from the investigations. Bishop Saunders was ordained as a priest in 1976 and moved full-time to the Kimberley region. He became a bishop in 1996. Bishop Morrissey said the church would not be making any further comment as the matter was now before the court.