Against Forgetting Serious Mistakes, Errors and Failures: The Long Learning Process of the Catholic Church in Germany in Dealing with Sexual Abuse of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

Abstract

In 2010 people were shocked about the extent of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Germany, how this was concealed and information withheld by church representatives. Victims were not offered help, perpetrators not sentenced and other actions of sexual abuse neglected in favour of the institutions. It seemed a public debate had started in which the Catholic Church put multitude measures in place. However, each diocese and clerical institution still handles the implementation of concepts to prevent sexual abuse with a different consistency and consequence. Up to the present day, victims testify scandalous handling of their cases. Mistakes and omissions made in the past are still being repeated in the present. As a result, perpetrators are not being made accountable, as if there has never been a public debate on clerical sexual abuse in Germany. Church contact persons for intervention and prevention are working isolated. They experience resistance and hostilities. But even if one hopes the debate will ease away, it is a false conclusion to say, this topic will be forgotten. The released findings of the research on Sexual abuse of minors by catholic priests outline: The topic of the sexual abuse of minors is still present. Even if one would want this topic to be forgotten: With every new case that appears, the ‘dark’ present of sexual abuse will reappear and be discussed by the public. The self-commitment based on the recommendations of the research consortium of the German bishops will be the relevant touchstones for future reappraisal.