Eight days after the arrest of their parish priest for sexual abuse, more than 400 worshipers in Salzgitter on Sunday remembered the victims. In the Catholic parish St. Joseph, the auxiliary bishop of Hildesheim, Heinz-Gunter Bongartz, expressed his deep consternation over the incidents.
The events had caused consternation and helplessness. "We are at a loss for words for what has happened," said Bongartz. Now it comes down to being there for each other and praying. In this mass he asks God with special intensity for his mercy. The auxiliary bishop also included the imprisoned priest in his intercession, asking him to find repentance and conversion and to contribute to clarification.
The imprisoned pastor has confessed to several assaults on three boys, who were between 9 and 14 years old at the time of the crime. Allegations are said to have been made against the priest as long as five years ago. He allegedly slept in a bed with a boy at the time. According to the Hildesheim public prosecutor's office, however, sexual acts could not be proven in the process. At the time, the diocese had responded to a complaint from parents and ied a "no-contact order".
Rectory beschmie
The incidents have caused concern and unrest in the city. Unknown persons had smeared a wall at the rectory on Friday. From the right-wing scene is called to a demonstration on 31. July called. Also under discussion is the founding of an association called "How are our children safe?"