Sodomy, sexual abuse allegations rock Catholic school

In a scandal that has shaken Zimbabwe's Catholic community, St Ignatius College in Chishawasha is at the heart of serious allegations of sexual abuse and sodomy involving the late Father Brian Porter, a former Jesuit priest and long-time missionary in Zimbabwe.

The allegations, spanning several decades, have caused deep concern within the community, with former students coming forward to form a group titled Justice, Healing and Closure (JHC). The group is seeking redress and compensation from the Catholic Church for the alleged abuse, which reportedly began in the early 1970s.

Father Porter, who passed away on July 8 at the age of 90, is accused of targeting young students, particularly those in Form One, during his time at the college. Sources indicate that he would often use his position to prey on new students, with claims of sodomy, indecent assault, and other forms of sexual abuse.

One victim recalled being coerced into inappropriate actions under the guise of assisting Porter with religious duties, such as serving at mass and helping with the sacristy. The abuse reportedly continued for years, with Father Porter allegedly using his authority to isolate and manipulate his victims.

The JHC group, comprising former students who say they were victims of Father Porter's actions, has expressed outrage that these claims were dismissed while Porter was still alive. A meeting on July 20, following his death, led to the formation of the group, with some victims sharing their traumatic experiences publicly for the first time.

One victim recounted how Porter invited him to his room under the pretense of offering him a shower before mass, only to subject him to sexual abuse. Others described similar encounters, with the photography and sailing clubs at the school said to have been among Porter's "hunting grounds."

The allegations have sparked a heated debate within the St Ignatius College alumni community, with some dismissing the claims as fabricated, while others have come forward to support the victims. The controversy has raised important questions about the safety of students in Catholic institutions and the accountability of religious figures in positions of power.

In response to the allegations, Fr Lawrence Daka, the rector at St Ignatius College, confirmed that a number of former students had come forward with complaints. He emphasized that the institution was taking the matter seriously and had set up a desk headed by Fr Anesu Manyere, a counsellor at Makumbe Mission, to handle the issue.

“We are in the listening stages," Fr Daka said. “We really want to help, give them closure and healing. The person who can deny or agree to this is late. We are asking, why has this taken so long? It is not an excuse."

Fr Manyere and Theresa Sanyatwe, who is responsible for child protection and safeguarding across Jesuit schools, are currently conducting interviews with the alleged victims. While the school has yet to receive a formal complaint, they are encouraging victims to come forward and seek both legal and emotional support.

The allegations have led to a division among alumni, with some denouncing the claims and others supporting the victims' calls for justice. The controversy has not only called into question the safety of students at St Ignatius College but has also sparked broader concerns about how sexual abuse cases are handled within religious institutions in Zimbabwe.

The church leadership has expressed its commitment to addressing the issue and providing support to the victims, but the matter remains sensitive, and further investigations are expected to continue in the coming months. The growing movement for justice from victims and their supporters is poised to put increasing pressure on the Catholic Church to address these painful allegations and ensure accountability.