Scandal in the diocese of Speyer: Study reveals terrifying abuse structures!

Scandal in the diocese of Speyer: Study reveals terrifying abuse structures!

A new study by the University of Mannheim has brought serious results to sexual abuse in the Catholic diocese of Speyer. According to the investigation, which was presented by historian Sylvia Schraut after two years of work, structural defects within the church have promoted the spread of abuse. In particular, the lack of control over the order, unclear responsibilities and an authoritarian image and man is pointed out. These structures created a breeding ground for sexual violence by spiritual and church employees, the report said. The first part of the study has been investigating incidents since 1946 and was initiated on behalf of the independent commission to deal with sexual abuse.

The diocese of Speyer has already paid around 3.6 million euros in compensation to 96 affected people in recent years, including therapy costs. In addition to 109 accused clergymen, 41 non -clerics are also affected who worked in church homes. An increased risk of attacks in facilities for children and adolescents is determined. These homes were identified as "hotspots" for sexual abuse. Often you can find the accused people who worked during the Second World War and shape an authoritarian image of man

structures and information about the study

The analysis, which extends around 473 pages, not only shows the dimensions of abuse, but also illuminates the lack of power control and the authoritarian exercise of office within the diocese. These points favored the abuse for decades, which produced many cases in the 1950s and 1960s. This time was characterized by a significantly higher occurrence of abuse cases. Around half of the deeds only became public after 2000, which further increases the number of unknown cases.

A central result of the study is that the rigid sexual morality of the Catholic Church is considered jointly responsible for the concealment of abuse and preventing prevention. The diocese itself indicates that two thirds of the accused clergy were born before 1920. These demographic knowledge will be further deepened in a second report that is planned for 2027. The evaluation of personnel files and records of the diocese since 1946 has shown the full extent of the problem.

reactions and outlook

Vicar General Markus Magin describes the results of the study as stressful and emphasizes that there have been urgently needed development steps in the Catholic Church. He emphasizes that the institution must be a safe place where people and their children feel comfortable. In the meantime, Bernd Held, a representative of the advisory board, calls for a fundamental reform of the structures to prevent future abuse. A public event for comment on the study will take place in Speyer on Friday.

The study has moved many people in the diocese of Speyer and leaves no room for doubt that there is an urgent need for action. The inability or unwilling to talk about sexual violence could be in the way of thorough rethinking in the entire Catholic Church. More information about the results of the study is also on katholisch.de available.