Protestant Church Vows to Persist in Abuse Investigation
The Church of Protestant Saxony has committed to continuing its investigation into instances of abuse within the religious organization. Regional Bishop Tobias Bilz emphasized this on Monday, concluding the autumn meeting of the regional synod. The priority should be the victims, Bilz asserted, explaining the necessity to alleviate their suffering, listen to them, and involve them in the healing process.
The church concluded that violent acts took place under the late deacon Kurt Ströer, with 36 victims disclosing their experiences so far. Ströer, a former youth leader, misused his position to exploit those in his care, spanning from the 60s to 70s. The deacon passed away in 2013.
Since 2020, when an independent recognition commission was established, the region has offered financial remuneration to 49 abused victims affiliated with church or diaconal institutions. Over 565,000 euros in compensation and aid has been disbursed.
Emphasizing the importance of listening, Bilz insists on prompt action. The Church must develop a permanent recognition commission dedicated to handling abuse cases and promoting a culture of transparency, he said. Addressing the issue required enhancing the Church's capacity in decision-making, activity, and resourcefulness.
In the 2024 budget, the Church of Protestant Saxony authorized a total expenditure of 254 million euros, a 9 million euro increase from the 2023 budget. The organization remains determined to confront abuse cases, particularly by focusing on victim support and ensuring a sustained investigation into Ströer's account.
To further its commitment to addressing abuse cases, the Church may explore the following actions:
- Establish a Permanent Recognition Commission: Create a well-structured, impartial body of experts to tackle abuse cases, which includes clear procedures, independent oversight, and education in psychology, law, and social work.
- Support Victims of Abuse: Offer professional counseling, legal assistance, and safe spaces for victims while promoting awareness about abuse signs and reporting methods.
- Explore Deacon Ströer's Role: Provide specialized training, implement clear guidelines, and encourage collaboration with external agencies for deacons to guarantee comprehensive support for victims.
- Engage with the Community: Foster open dialogue, community outreach, and support from local organizations in addressing abuse and encouraging reporting.
- Support Victim Accountability and Reconciliation: Implement accountability measures for perpetrators, offer reconciliation initiatives, maintain detailed records of cases, and long-term follow-ups.
By implementing these steps, the Church of Protestant Saxony can build trust, support victims, and promote a culture of accountability and transparency.
