Symbolic image of abuse in the church © Clearviewstock (shutterstock)
The Protestant Church in Germany considers itself to be on the right track in coming to terms with abuse within the ranks of the regional churches. Victims, on the other hand, criticize the way in which the matter has been dealt with so far.
The report of the Council of Commissioners for Protection against Sexualized Violence, published Monday, said "basic structures and instruments" had been created. Those affected criticized the reappraisal carried out so far. Little had been done and those affected had been involved too little so far.
Abuse study launched
The Council of Commissioners said the three-year abuse study is now underway after the cooperation agreement was finalized. The cost of this amounts to 3.6 million euros. An advisory board for those affected had been further appointed. In the future, this committee should develop its own positions and proposals with regard to planned measures; it should provide impetus and critically examine existing structures. In addition, a specialized office for sexualized violence in the church office of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) as well as the central contact point "help" have been established.
There are further plans for a uniform model order for the payment of recognition benefits for those affected. This could not yet be adopted at the synod, because the affected persons advisory board was only constituted in September. In addition, there are talks with the abuse commissioner of the federal government to set up an agreement for structural processing. All in all, an 11-point plan has been implemented or the topics have been set in motion.
Criticism from those affected
Those affected contradicted the remarks. There is still a lack of "suitable, independent structures," those affected stated in a jointly published press release. Kerstin Claus, who is a member of the Council of Victims of Abuse, which is attached to the Federal Government Commissioner for Abuse, said that it is absurd for the EKD to have an 11-point plan that sets targets, defines its own criteria, and then – as with a checklist – checks off the items.
There was not enough participation from those affected, it was added. In some regional churches, the fact that there is a point of contact for those affected is already being reported as participation by those affected. Scientific studies in which research would be conducted on those affected would also be understood as involving those affected.
It still takes a great deal of courage for those affected to contact the Church. They still encountered problems with church contact points. With the national churches, to which the point of contact refers, answers would be further "dragged out, information only hesitantly given. "Those affected who come forward do not find the support they are hoping for," Claus said.