Fifteen years after abuse cases at Canisius College were exposed, survivors express frustration over the inadequate handling of the scandal by the Catholic Church and authorities. The initiative ‘Eckiger Tisch’ criticizes the failure to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable, urging parliament to establish a compensation fund. Calls for suspending the statute of limitations on compensation claims have emerged, with varying approaches from dioceses. Many victims continue to feel abandoned and are seeking meaningful restitution for their suffering.
Fifteen years ago, the abuse cases at Canisius College in Berlin came to light, unveiling a significant scandal involving the Catholic Church’s cover-up of such incidents. Those who suffered are now expressing their discontent over the lack of adequate resolution.
As the anniversary of the abuse crisis in the German Catholic Church approaches, survivors are delivering a grim assessment of how these matters have been handled. In a letter from the initiative ‘Eckiger Tisch’ to Bundestag members, it is asserted, “There is no other way to put it: The investigation and response to this abuse scandal within the Catholic Church in Germany can be deemed a failure, according to many victims affected.”
This letter highlights serious concerns about the neglect from state and judicial authorities, stating, “We, the victims, have largely been abandoned by the perpetrator organization.” Matthias Katsch, the chairman of the initiative, urges parliamentarians to advocate for those impacted, including the establishment of a compensation fund.
It has been reported that some priests suspected of abuse have escaped to South America with assistance from the Catholic Church.
Revelation in 2010
Fifteen years prior, the abuse incidents at Canisius College were made public, shedding light on the systematic cover-up prevalent within the German Catholic Church. In 2018, the Church released the MHG study, detailing thousands of abuse cases, 1,670 potential perpetrators, and 3,677 victims, predominantly children and adolescents. Experts warn that these figures merely scratch the surface, suggesting the actual numbers are likely much higher.
Matthias Katsch emphasizes in his letter the necessity of thoroughly investigating these specific cases and reviewing all diocesan and religious community files, with the expectation that results would be made public. Unfortunately, he notes, “None of this has occurred,” pointing to the late Cardinal Hengsbach from Essen, who passed away in 1991, as a significant figure in this ongoing narrative.
Previous efforts labeled ‘largely ineffective’ for victims
Since 2018, not a single case presented to a German public prosecutor’s office has yielded results. “No bishop or religious superior has been held accountable for their actions,” Katsch notes. Speculation about the reasons behind this lack of progress suggests a focus on “mitigating financial repercussions for the Church.”
Katsch underscores the devastating impact on victims, stating, “They continue to await just compensation.” Many individuals affected by these crimes feel exhausted and disheartened after years of seeking clarification and appropriate restitution for their suffering.
Reports have surfaced of sexual assaults occurring over decades in an orphanage in Newfoundland.
Call for suspension of the statute of limitations
Recently, RBB reported on another letter from ‘Eckiger Tisch’ to the Bundestag, outlining specific demands from the survivors. A key request is for a suspension of the statute of limitations regarding compensation claims.
Different dioceses approach the statute of limitations variably; for instance, the Archdiocese of Cologne has opted not to invoke it in certain cases. This led to a Cologne District Court awarding one victim a compensation of 300,000 euros, which the diocese was mandated to pay.
In addition to the compensation fund, ‘Eckiger Tisch’ is advocating for a resolution that allows for direct negotiations with victims. Currently, the Independent Commission for Recognition Benefits determines the amounts of voluntary payments based on individual cases and state compensation guidelines for pain and suffering. Many victims find this system to be unclear, while the German Bishops’ Conference remains committed to its continuation.
This issue was reported by MDR aktuell on December 31, 2024, at 06:00 AM.