Insufficient Information Provided
The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf has made a public appeal to the Archdiocese of Cologne, demanding transparency and accountability in the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse cases. The recent demands and criticisms from the Catholic Council focus on the need for openness and responsibility in the handling of these sensitive matters.
The council's concerns stem from perceived deficiencies in the Archdiocese's approach, particularly in the handling of sexual abuse reports and the refusal of Archbishop Rainer Woelki to resign despite public and internal pressure. The Archdiocese's handling of the situation has been viewed as lacking adequate accountability.
In an effort to address these concerns, the Archdiocese commissioned two reports on abuse cases. However, the first report remains confidential under restricted conditions, which has fueled demands for greater transparency in how abuse cases and investigations are managed.
Furthermore, there was a dismissal and legal dispute involving the archdiocese's legal counsel responsible for abuse case files, raising questions about how seriously the institution handles internal investigations and staff protecting victims' interests.
The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf expects the Archdiocese of Cologne to provide straight talk and concrete steps of responsibility. Restoring lost trust is a goal of the Diocesan Council, and they expect all those responsible to account to the Church community and the public for any violations of duty, failures in spiritual office, and injustices to victims.
The council also criticizes the communication of the Archbishop's General Vicariate in sensitive issues and expects the Archdiocese to adequately inform the affected, the community of believers, and especially the abuse victims. Communication within closed circles and committees is not deemed sufficient by the Catholic Council of Düsseldorf.
The committee and the "Circle of 15" parish councils in Düsseldorf have expressed solidarity with the Diocesan Council of Catholics regarding the current situation of the abuse investigation in the Archdiocese of Cologne.
The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf expects personal responsibility and accountability for personal guilt beyond legal clarification from those responsible. A publication with blacked-out names or only excerpts is not acceptable to the Catholic Council of Düsseldorf.
The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf expects broad access to the text of the newly commissioned study on March 18. The council also expects the Archdiocese of Cologne to restore lost trust within the Church community and the public. The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf has high expectations for the Archdiocese of Cologne regarding full transparency and disclosure of all facts.
- The Catholic Council of Düsseldorf has expressed their concerns about the Archdiocese of Cologne's handling of sexual abuse cases, particularly the lack of transparency and accountability, which they believe extends to both the handling of sexual abuse reports and the Archbishop's approach to general-news matters.
- In order to restore lost trust and address the concerns raised by the Catholic Council of Düsseldorf, the Archdiocese of Cologne must provide straight talk and concrete steps to demonstrate responsibility, including full transparency and disclosure of all facts regarding the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse cases.
