KEY POINTS
- Survivors accuse the late Father Porter of abusing young boys for decades.
- Victims form a group to seek justice and healing from the church.
- St. Ignatius College sets up a team to investigate allegations.
Allegations of sexual abuse have surfaced at St. Ignatius College in Chishawasha, Zimbabwe, implicating the late Father Brian Porter, a Jesuit missionary. The scandal, spanning decades, has sent shockwaves through the Catholic community and raised serious concerns about the safety of students in religious schools.
Father Brian Porter, who passed away in July 2024 at the age of 90, is accused of abusing young boys during his tenure at St. Ignatius College, particularly targeting Form One students. Former students have come forward with harrowing accounts of abuse, and a group of victims, calling themselves Justice, Healing, and Closure (JHC), has been formed to demand accountability and compensation.
A legacy of abuse
According to investigations by NewsDay Weekender, the abuse began in the 1970s when Father Porter allegedly preyed on new students, some of whom were as young as 12 years old. Survivors claim that he used his position of trust as a priest and teacher to groom and abuse boys.
One victim recalled being coerced into inappropriate acts under the guise of serving as an altar boy. “He made me touch his manhood and asked me to do the same to him. It’s a memory I can’t erase,” one survivor shared. Others described similar incidents in which Porter used extracurricular activities, such as photography and sailing clubs, to find his victims.
According to a report by Newsday, some former students have also alleged that the abuse was an open secret among staff, yet no action was taken. Many victims have lived with the trauma for decades, with some only now feeling empowered to speak out.
Seeking justice and healing
In response to these allegations, St. Ignatius College has established a desk headed by Father Anesu Manyere, a counselor and leader at Makumbe Mission, to listen to the victims and provide support. Rector Father Lawrence Daka emphasized the college’s commitment to addressing the issue.
“We are taking these allegations seriously. We want to ensure that victims receive healing and closure,” Daka said. He also urged victims to come forward and share their experiences openly.
Meetings between victims and church representatives have begun, but some victims remain hesitant to file formal complaints. The college has assured them that legal avenues and child protection mechanisms are available.
Divided opinions
The allegations have sparked mixed reactions among the school’s alumni. While some have expressed support for the victims, others have dismissed the claims, arguing that they tarnish Father Porter’s reputation without conclusive evidence.
Father Nigel Johnson, a teacher at St. Ignatius during Porter’s time, said he had never heard of any abuse allegations. “These accusations are shocking. If this happened, it was not something we were aware of,” he said.
A dark cloud over Father Porter’s legacy
Born in Essex, England, in 1933, Father Porter had a long and influential career in Zimbabwe. He joined the Jesuits as a young man, working at various schools and missions, including St. George’s College and St. Ignatius College. For over 20 years, he served as a teacher, minister, and boarding master at St. Ignatius, before moving on to administrative roles.
Despite his contributions to education, the abuse allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy. Survivors of his alleged actions now seek accountability, healing, and institutional change.
The way forward
The Catholic Church in Zimbabwe faces mounting pressure to address historical abuse cases and prevent future incidents. Victims have called on church authorities to acknowledge their experiences and provide financial compensation. The church has committed to listening to survivors and ensuring that safeguarding policies are strengthened in all Jesuit schools.
Father Daka reiterated the need for transparency and accountability. “We are committed to ensuring that such incidents never happen again,” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, the Catholic community and Zimbabwean society grapple with the long-lasting impact of abuse and the need for justice. For many survivors, the hope is that their stories will lead to healing, closure, and a safer future for students.
