Diocese of Fulda: Coming to terms with abuse begins - first consequences!

Diocese of Fulda: Coming to terms with abuse begins - first consequences!

The diocese of Fulda is under pressure after a devastating report of sexual abuse. On June 17, 2025, an independent commission presented its sobering results. The report highlights over 230 cases of sexual violence and abuse of power committed since the end of the Second World War. At least 120 people affected and 37 suspected perpetrators were identified, mostly involving priests. The Commission estimates that the actual number of acts of abuse is significantly higher. This reports daily news.

The diocese has now announced the first consequences. Vicar General Martin Stanke explained that they wanted to act out of their own responsibility. The plan is to set up a new specialist office that will take care of prevention, intervention and dealing with incidents. A focus should also be on promoting women in management positions. Stanke emphasized the need to identify and change structural problems. Bishop Michael Gerber was determined to learn lessons from the report and apologized to those affected. He announced that the investigation would continue transparently. Loud Hesse show The suffering of those injured was recognized in 37 cases, and a total of 513,000 euros went into compensation.

Developments in the report

The commission, consisting of lawyers, social educators and former criminal investigators, criticizes the church for a massive failure to educate and protect those affected. What is particularly shocking is that until 2010 the suffering of the victims was not taken seriously. Suspected perpetrators were often transferred to other communities to protect them from consequences. The report also documents that only 19 of 152 municipalities participated in a recent educational questionnaire campaign.

At the same time, the diocese of Mainz has guaranteed a victim 340,000 euros to do justice to the abuse case. The church itself has increasingly taken measures to prevent sexual violence in recent years. Since 2010, it has been actively addressing the crimes committed within its own ranks. Reported on these developments DBK.

A look at the future

The shock caused by these crimes remains palpable to this day and shows that the church still has a long way to go. Based on the commission's results, Bishop Gerber speaks of a fundamental need for reform within the diocese and the entire Catholic Church. The existing structures must be reformed to ensure the best possible protection for minors and those under protection.

It remains exciting to see whether and how the diocese of Fulda will implement its announced measures and what further steps will follow to deal with the cases of abuse. The victims and their families continue to wait for real justice and a full explanation.