JUDGMENT FINDS ARCHDIOCESE NOT LIABLE IN MOUNT CASHEL LAWSUIT
In a judgement released March 16, 2018, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador determined that the Archdiocese of St. John’s was not liable for abuse committed at the Mount Cashel Orphanage by certain members of the Christian Brothers religious order.
In a 174-page comprehensive ruling issued by Mr. Justice Alphonsus E. Faour, the Court carefully analysed each and every potential ground concerning liability before concluding that the evidence disclosed that the Orphanage had been operated exclusively by the Christian Brothers, and that no evidence existed that the Archdiocese had either knowledge of any widespread abuse or that it had any direct control over the Orphanage.
The Archbishop of St. John’s, Martin Currie, made the following statement:
“While the Archdiocese of St. John’s was never responsible for the operations of the orphanage or the school at Mount Cashel, we have immense sympathy for those who suffered in the past and continue to suffer, as a result of abuse. We ask for prayers for all those involved in this sad matter.
There is no winner in this type of court case. All the Plaintiffs in this case were deeply wounded by their experience and to that extent my heart is heavy for their pain and suffering. However, the law found the Archdiocese was neither vicariously liable nor negligent for the operation of Mount Cashel and the actions of the Christian Brothers.
This judgement has profound significance for all the parties involved. We hope this is the end of the court process.”
Archbishop Currie says the Church has been and will continue to be there for the victims of abuse of any kind.
“We continue to move forward, focused on our daily work of building God’s kingdom through service, word and worship.”