In Australia, Bishop Christopher Saunders, who resigned from his post at the Diocese of Broome in 2021, is on trial, facing multiple sex-abuse charges. His case was already an interesting one, because Australian prosecutors had originally decided not to press charges, for lack of evidence, but re-opened the case after receiving new information about the Vatican investigation that prompted Saunders’ resignation.

But now, a striking new development. Bishop Michael Morrissey of Geraldton appeared as a witness in the Saunders trial. The Pillar notes:

It is believed to be the first occasion a serving diocesan bishop has appeared as a witness for the prosecution in the criminal trial of another bishop charged with sexual abuse.

Read that sentence again.

Never before has a testified against another bishop in a sex-abuse trial. Not once. This could be explained because:

• No bishop was ever aware of abuse by a fellow bishop. (You know, the way nobody knew about McCarrick.)

• Some bishops are more determined to protect their colleagues than protect their people.