Bishop Stephan Ackermann of Trier has been the national contact person for all "questions in connection with the sexual abuse of minors in the church sector" of the Bishops' Conference for a few days now. On our site interview, he explains why the Catholic Church is against having its own round table and what path it is taking instead.
Interviewer: Why does Archbishop Zollitsch speak out against a round table for the Catholic Church?
Ackermann: Because we believe that the ie is a broader one. Even if the debate has now naturally focused on the Catholic Church in particular as a result of the cases of abuse that have come to light or are still coming to light within the church. We say yes: This is very, very painful, precisely because the Church, which is active in the field of education and upbringing, enjoys a high level of trust and it is all the worse when this trust is abused. That the focus is on the church is understandable. But the problem is much bigger. That's why we say: If there is a round table, the topic must also be looked at in a larger social context. And of course we are ready to participate at this table.
Interviewer: The Federal Minister of Justice, Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, continues to maintain her criticism of when a suspected case should be reported to the police. Doesn't the church in Germany take on a special role??
Ackermann: No, we have made it quite clear that we do not claim a special role for ourselves. In the past days this has always been in the discussion, as they have just said. But we have also made ourselves known again: there is no obligation to report in the area of sexual abuse, if there is an initial suspicion. The experts who are active in the field of counseling, also in the field of child protection, say that it is important that there is no obligation to report an initial suspicion that has not yet been substantiated – in order not to raise the inhibition threshold for victims.
Interviewer: Why were they entrusted with the task of being the contact person, why a bishop?
Ackermann: We bishops want to send a signal that we see this as our very own task and concern, to address this ie, to confront this ie, so therefore a commissioner from among the bishops; but this does not mean that we do not call in experts from outside the church. Also the guidelines, which were provided in the year 2002, developed already with assistance of specialized experts from outside of the direct church connection. We definitely do not want to do without it.
Interviewer: Not every diocese in Germany appoints external commissioners for the ie. Why are things done so differently here?
Ackermann: We will also evaluate it again, that's what we have decided to do. Of course, if the commissioners are employees of the episcopal authorities, it is easier to investigate things than if it is someone from the outside. However, it could also be a disadvantage that the inhibition threshold may be higher if a person affected by the incident seeks to talk to others. This is a question of balance.The interview was conducted by Monika Weib.