Dissolution of the abuse commission: protest and resentment in East Germany!

Dissolution of the abuse commission: protest and resentment in East Germany!

In a sensational step, the bishops of the three East German dioceses-Berlin, Görlitz and Dresden-Meißen-have dissolved the Interdiocesan Commission to deal with sexual abuse (IKA). This happened at the end of May 2023, shortly before an important processing study was to be awarded. The decision not only surprised those affected, but also triggered a wave of criticism. As Church-and-Life , resignations from members and "persistent communicative problems" were the main reasons for the dissolution. According to Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt (Görlitz), Archbishop Heiner Koch (Berlin) and Heinrich Timmerevers (Dresden-Meißen), the term of office of the remaining members ends on May 31.

The Federal Government's independent representative for questions of sexual child abuse, Kerstin Claus, criticized the dissolution as a "clear break of the agreement" and described it as "fatal signal". She is concerned that the soil is withdrawn from the soil for independent information. The bishops emphasized that they would continue to be ready for processing, but the skepticism remains high. The representatives concerned had already said in advance that the Commission did not meet the requirements for a transparent and participatory examination.

The background of the Commission

The IKA, which was founded on May 10, 2023, consisted of nine members, including representatives of state governments and dioceses. Your task was to determine the extent of sexual violence in the Catholic Church and to promote preventive measures. The dissolution of the Commission raises questions about the legal basis and the future of the processing. The affected initiative of the angular table also regretted and continues to call for an independent processing commission. Here are some of the critical points that were addressed in the course of the debate:

• Resignation of commission members and dysfunctional working methods, as stated in the annual report.
• Problems in communication between the members.
• a lack of solutions and alternatives for those affected.
• Unclear prospects for future commissions at the diocese level.

What are the next steps? The Diocese of Dresden-Meißen is considering the establishment of a new study and commission at the diocese level to continue the processing. This could be an important step to show those affected that their voices are heard.

The resistance grows

The Catholic Reform movement Maria 2.0 urgently calls for a comprehensive allocation of the abuse study. The 2010 abuse scandal has moved many affected people to raise their voices, and the processing is now a central topic in the church. Reports from those affected and contemporary witness show that sexual violence has often taken place in various facilities such as municipalities, homes or schools. The power structures within the church and an inadequate topic of sexuality in priest seminars favor these deeds.

The independent commission for dealing with sexual child abuse has already heard 221 sufferers and contemporary witnesses, and their recommendations for transparent processing were published. The bishops are well advised, in view of these weighty knowledge and the pressure of the public to ensure that the processing not only remains an empty shell. The results in processing commission collectively document how important an open and honest examination of the past is and that those affected earn a place in this process.