Mourning for historian Thomas Großbölting: Death after train accident in Hamburg

Mourning for historian Thomas Großbölting: Death after train accident in Hamburg

Hamburg-Rönneburg, Deutschland - On February 11, 2025, Thomas Großbölting, a renowned historian and expert for the processing of abuse cases in the Catholic Church, died in a tragic train accident near Hamburg. He was on the way to Cologne to take part in the “Frank & Frei” valley series of the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. According to KStA.de , Joachim Frank, chief correspondent of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, was aware of Großbölting and was visibly affected by the news about the misfortune.

Großbölting was born near Bocholt in 1969 and studied history, Catholic theology and German studies at the University of Münster. His dissertation illuminates the history of the bourgeoisie in Magdeburg and Halle at the time of the GDR. He was widely recognized for his excellent research work, especially with regard to the topic of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Among other things, he was director of the Research Center for Contemporary History in Hamburg and Professor of Newer History/Contemporary History at the University of Hamburg.

mourning community and farewell

his death triggered great dismay, especially among those affected sexual violence. Großbölting was instrumental in the "Forum" study of the EKD and pursued the independent clarification of crimes on behalf of the bishop. A bishop Felix Genn commented on his death and emphasized the importance of Großbölting's work to deal with abuse cases. The results of these studies revealed a systematic pattern of abuse and cover-up, which affected numerous victims, such as Tagesschau.de

Großbölting leaves a woman and four children. In a statement, his colleague Klaus Große Kracht praised his significant achievements and the influence that he had on contemporary research. His commitment to the topic of sexual abuse in the church was unique and those affected see his death as a disaster. The train in which he traveled had previously collided with a tractor, which led to this tragic incident.

extensive educational work

The diverse and significant research of Großbölting also included the records of the Catholic reform debate according to the second Vatican and religious development in Germany since 1945. His book "Returning Society. Departure and Delimitation in Germany since 1990", publishes his engagement for historical processing and deals with the topic of reunification and its socodynamics.

In recent years, reference has been made to the processing studies around the abuse within the Catholic Church. This reporting was accompanied by comprehensive publications, such as by the German Bishops' Conference. In 2010, when some cases of abuse were public in Germany, the reporting led to a worrying loss of prestige and credibility for the church, which continues to this day Deutschlandfunk.de . .

Großbölting's sudden death marks a deep loss for historiography, the processing of abuse and the scientific community. His heir will continue to live in research and in the struggle for justice for those affected by abuse.